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Shocking History of Real Medical Practices Through the Ages

Chase Simmons

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Published in Strange Medicine: A Shocking History Of Real Medical Practices Through The Ages

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Prepare to be horrified and amazed...

As we delve into the shocking history of real medical practices through the ages, we'll explore the bizarre and often barbaric techniques that were once considered cutting-edge medicine. From bloodletting to trepanation, leech therapy to lobotomies, we'll meet the eccentric and sometimes deranged doctors who pioneered these practices, and we'll learn about the patients who endured them.

So, if you're strong of stomach and curious about the dark side of medical history, read on...

Strange Medicine: A Shocking History of Real Medical Practices Through the Ages

by Nathan Belofsky

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1038 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	220 pages

Bloodletting: The Ancient Remedy for Everything

A Doctor Performing Bloodletting On A Patient Strange Medicine: A Shocking History Of Real Medical Practices Through The Ages

Bloodletting was one of the most common medical practices for centuries. It was believed that bloodletting could cure a wide range of diseases, from headaches to the plague. The theory was that by removing "bad" blood from the body, the patient's health would be restored.

Bloodletting was usually performed by a barber-surgeon. The barber-surgeon would make a small incision in the patient's vein and then allow the blood to flow out. Sometimes, the barber-surgeon would use a special device called a fleam to make the incision.

Bloodletting was a very painful procedure, and it often led to infection. In many cases, bloodletting actually made the patient's condition worse.

Trepanation: Drilling Holes in the Skull

A Doctor Performing Trepanation On A Patient Strange Medicine: A Shocking History Of Real Medical Practices Through The Ages

Trepanation is the practice of drilling holes in the skull. It was believed that trepanation could cure a variety of diseases, including epilepsy, headaches, and mental illness. The theory was that by creating a hole in the skull, the evil spirits that were causing the disease could escape.

Trepanation was a very dangerous procedure, and it often led to death. In many cases, the patient would die from infection or from the brain damage caused by the drilling.

Leech Therapy: Sucking the Bad Blood

A Doctor Applying Leeches To A Patient Strange Medicine: A Shocking History Of Real Medical Practices Through The Ages

Leech therapy is the practice of using leeches to suck blood from the body. It was believed that leech therapy could cure a wide range of diseases, from headaches to rheumatism. The theory was that by removing "bad" blood from the body, the patient's health would be restored.

Leech therapy was a very painful procedure, and it often led to infection. In many cases, leech therapy actually made the patient's condition worse.

Lobotomies: The Barbaric Treatment for Mental Illness

A Doctor Performing A Lobotomy On A Patient Strange Medicine: A Shocking History Of Real Medical Practices Through The Ages

A lobotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the connections between the frontal lobes of the brain and the rest of the brain. It was believed that lobotomies could cure a variety of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. The theory was that by severing the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain, the patient's personality and behavior would be changed.

Lobotomies were very dangerous procedures, and they often led to death or permanent disability. In many cases, lobotomies actually made the patient's condition worse.

The Rise of Modern Medicine

The development of modern medicine in the 19th and 20th centuries led to a decline in the use of these barbaric practices. However, some of these practices are still used today, albeit in a more refined form.

For example, bloodletting is still used to treat certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia. Trepanation is still used to treat certain types of brain injuries. Leech therapy is still used to promote blood flow to certain areas of the body.

As we look back on the history of medical practices, we can be thankful for the advances that have been made in modern medicine. However, it is important to remember the lessons of the past, so that we can avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

The history of medical practices is a fascinating and often shocking one. It is a story of human ingenuity and suffering, of progress and setbacks. As we learn from the mistakes of the past, we can continue to build a better future for medicine and for all of humanity.

Strange Medicine: A Shocking History of Real Medical Practices Through the Ages

by Nathan Belofsky

4.4 out of 5