Bloodletting, 17th Century


17th century engraving of a woman sitting in a chair being bled by two physicians while a third physician kneels at her side holding a clyster; in the background an autopsy is taking place. Bloodletting was based on an ancient system of medicine in which blood and other bodily fluid were considered to be "humors" the proper balance of which maintained health, but it often weakened sick patients. It was the most common medical practice performed by doctors from antiquity up to the late 19th century, a time span of almost 2,000 years.


Size: 2580px × 3540px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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