Few images conjure up the horrors of primitive medical practice
more powerfully than that of the leech. This parasitic worm was used to suck blood from the veins of sick people in the belief that it could draw out the “evil vapors” responsible for their disease. Large numbers of leeches were employed. In 1837 alone, 96,000 leeches were applied to 50,557 patients at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Their use was so common in England that British-bred leeches became scarce, and foreign leeches had to be imported from India and Mexico.

A Must Read IF You are Over 40 and Female Over 40 and we feel that wrinkles abound. Beth Teitell's new book Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth, 2008, published by Harper Collins Books takes a refreshing and funny look at the trails and traumas of growing older today. This delightful book is filled, absolutely filled with wonderful events that I have personally experienced or have at the very least heard of! It is wonderfully written and written in a tone to laugh together. From blond hair to wrinkles to all the advertising hype of “youth”.