Philosophy and Phlebotomy

 Phlebotomy was once known as bloodletting which dates back to ancient civilization.  Bloodletting was a common medical practice in medieval times, based on the belief that draining "bad blood" could cure various ailments. 

 In the Middle Ages and early modern period, barbers, often known as barber-surgeons, took on a range of medical procedures, including bloodletting.  

 Barbers were already skilled with razors and other sharp tools, making them natural candidates for performing bloodletting and minor surgical procedures.  The red, white, and blue barber pole is a reminder of this practice. It is a symbol of blood and bandages used in bloodletting. 

George Washington's death in 1799 is believed to have been partly caused by the excessive bloodletting he received to treat a sore throat.  At the time, doctors believed that removing blood from the body could help alleviate illness. Washington's doctors followed this practice, drawing nearly 40% of his blood from him over a 12-hour period.  

Researchers have studied the blood-sucking abilities of vampire bats to develop less invasive and painless techniques for blood collection.

In the 1830s and 1840s, physicians in France and England used leeches to suck the blood of patients. In ancient times, and again in the middle ages, the leeches were used to heal headaches and other ailments. While leeches are currently still used to help with removing blood in swollen areas or following procedures with an increased risk for blood clots, there are much safer means to draw blood for diagnostic purposes.

The butterfly needle, with its wing-like design, is specifically designed for stabilizing the needle during blood collection, making the process smoother.