Bloodletting instrument

Bloodletting instrument

               The fleam is considered the oldest known surgical instrument in both
           human and veterinary medicine. The lancet fleam is a "modern version."
           In 1845, the practice of bloodletting was discontinued in human medicine.  
           Yet, there were recorded cases of bloodletting horses for lameness into
           the 1960's by quacks.  
               Take note at your next doctor’s appointment, he/she may request a 
           blood test. The lab technician that will draw the blood sample will be 
           wearing a name tag, with the word “Phlebotomist”. The art of Phlebotomy 
           is bloodletting. 
               The most important individual to die in the U.S. from this medical 
           procedure of bloodletting was our first president, General George
           Washington. His three doctors bleed him of five pints of blood, he died on
           Dec. 14,1799 at the age of 67. 

                 Excellent reference: Written by Martha’s grandson: 
                                                                         http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/washington.htm

Horse Drench - Oldest instrument in our collection

                           

This instrument is the oldest veterinary instrument in the

collection.  Made of pewter, only 5 inches in length and is currently 

on display at the MSU-SVM in East Lansing, MI.  On loan from

the Wisconsin Museum of Veterinary Medicine with over

250 duplicate veterinary instruments on display.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER - JAN./Feb./Mar./2020 Issue Vol. I No.1

PREFACE

THIS NEWSLETTER IS DESIGNED

TO FULFILL AN IMPORTANT NEED

     This blog will inform veterinarians of Wisconsin on various 

subjects, not only with the history of veterinary medicine. 

One of the major goals of this blog is to post any current WVMA 

member’s obituary, as quickly as it is brought to my attention.  

Starting with the obituary of Dr. Rene’ Carlson in March of last 

year, this site shall report all Wisconsin veterinarian’s obituaries 

from now on.  As soon as I receive your email notice, everyone 

will be notified that very day.  In this way, we can all contact those 

families.  Along with the current obituaries, will post the obituaries 

of some of the past Wisconsin leaders in an archival format to 

anyone who would be interested.