The practice of bloodletting, or phlebotomy, dates back to antiquity. An early theory about bloodletting was that there were four main bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. An imbalance in these humors was postulated as the need for bloodletting, purging, vomiting, etc. Virtually every known medical condition at one time or another was treated by these methods. Bloodletting was used to treat everything from fever and madness to anemia and debility. The popular belief that George Washington was bled to death proves that even “nobility” was not spared.

This is a brass bleeder (fleam) in a home-made leather case. Bleeder is approximately 3.25” long with three iron blades housed in a brass case. These were hand held instruments used for blood letting. Very nice condition with nice patina. Bleeder comes in a handy leather case. Very interesting medical item.  [jet] [ph:L]

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