Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Bleeding Therapy |
Object ID |
2002.0125 |
Description |
Basin for major medical therapy of bloodletting Oval tin bowl, scalloped edges and indentation for arm. Hanging hook on back probably later addition. Before the Civil War, medical knowledge adhered to the theory that inflammation and disease was caused by "bad blood", as evidenced by the red swollen inflamed areas. Physicians thought this was due to an overabundance of tainted blood that had to be eliminated, so they cut into the affected area with fleams and scarificators and let the blood flow into bleeding basins or bowls. Today we know these procedures only weakened the patient and lessened hope for recovery. |
Collection |
William P. Didusch Museum Collection |
Date |
1700's |
Artist/Designer |
Unknown |
Source |
purchased |