Overview
The first known practice of medicine occurred thousands of years ago, during 2600 BC. Since then, medicine has and continues to evolve and advance. Today we have advanced robotic surgeries, and gene editing therapy. Before this, humans used some bizarre medical treatments in an attempt to heal others. This blog explores some of the most strange and spooky treatments in history.
Milk Transfusions
Prior to the discovery of blood types, doctors struggled to aid those with significant blood loss. Blood-transfusions had been performed but, due to the lack of knowledge were extremely unsuccessful. This led doctors to search for alternatives to stabilize patients with severe blood loss.
The first injection of milk into the blood was in 1854, doctors believed that the fatty substances in the milk would transform into white blood cells. The 40-year old male responded shockingly well to the transfusion. Doctors tried again but this time most of the patients died. After receiving the treatment many patients had of chest pain, involuntary movement of the eyes and headaches. Ultimately most of the patients fell into comatose (prolonged unconsciousness) and died shortly. Despite the failed outcomes, many doctors continued to practice milk transfusions until the late 19th century.
Today, significant blood loss is treated through fluid replacement and blood transfusions. Fluid such as saline are used to replace blood volume and electrolytes. Both blood and fluid replacement are administered via and intravenous line. Since the discovery of blood types, doctors have matched which blood types may donate and receive from others.
Lobotomies
During the 1940's and 1950's a common treatment to cure mental illnesses were lobotomies. Schizophernia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Severe Depressive Illness were commonly treated using this surgery. Lobotomies were a type of psychosurgery that targeted the frontal lobe. The treatment severed the nerve fibers of the frontal lobe and thalamus. Doctors believed that this would make patient more calm and compliant. After receiving the surgery many patients did show less aggression, but they also exhibited side effects of intellectual impairment, decreased emotional depth, apathy, and seizures. It was also very dangerous and resulted in many deaths.
Many American neurosurgeons highly criticized the procedure and viewed it as unsafe. Despite this neurologist, Walter J. Freeman, was able to popularize the surgery through media. They were viewed as miracles and were in high demand. Rosemary Kennedy is one of the more famous examples that highlights the dangers of Lobotomies. After her father pushed her to receive a lobotomy, she lost her ability to speak and was partially paralyzed. She was institutionalized for the rest of her life, until passing in 2005.
Today mental health treatment has many options. Depending on the severity and type of illness, patients have the option to receive medication, therapy, and long-term hospitalization. A small proportion of patients who cannot be helped with therapy are selected to receive brain surgery. These surgeries are meticulously studied before deciding they are the best option.
Soothing Syrup: The Baby Killer
Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup was first produced in 1849. The syrup was intended as a multi-use medicine for babies. Specifically babies who were crying, teething, and had diarrhea. The medicine was widely marketed and became a household name. Unbeknownst to the public, the syrup contained high amounts of morphine and alcohol. Just one teaspoon has enough morphine to kill the average child. Many children died after one dose, leading to the nickname "the baby killer".
The court case reported selling over 1.5 million bottles of the syrup annually. The exact number of children who passed away is unknown since many parents couldn't link the cause of death to the syrup. However it is estimated that over thousands of children died from overdose, withdrawal, or addiction.
Now the Food and Drug Administration requires drug companies to label their active ingredients on the bottle. Over-the-counter medicine is also more strictly regulated. Despite the numerous infant deaths it caused, the product continued to stay on shelves until the 1930's.
Urine Teeth Whitener
Throughout history a wide variety of cultures used urine to whiten their teeth. Most notably, the Ancient Romans created toothpaste consisting of urine, mouse skull, and herbs. Other times they would mix goat milk with urine to whiten their teeth. As gross as it sounds, urine does whiten teeth. Urine contains Ammonia which acts as a bleaching agent, and slightly brightens teeth. Conversely, urine is very acidic which erodes enamel.
Thankfully today we have many safer and more hygienic options to brighten our smiles. Many toothpastes and mouthwash have brightening components incorporated into them. There are also tooth whitening strips and the option to get them professionally whitened.
Medicinal Cannibalism
Medicinal Cannibalism was used for many generations and took many different forms throughout history. In Western Europe, beginning in the 11th century, people believed consuming the human body would cure diseases. People drank human blood, and added skull into medicine in hopes for better health.
Mumia, a medicinal substance made from ground-up mummies became very popular. It was prescribed for many different conditions like headaches, plague and heart attacks. The medicine became so popular that 'bodysnatchers' emerged. Bodysnatchers were criminals who would steal mummified bodies to capitalize off the substance. Medicinal cannibalism slowly faded out as more medical knowledge came about.
0 Comments