5. Bloodletting as Universal Cure
During the Enlightenment, bloodletting was considered a near-universal remedy for illness. Physicians believed that removing blood helped balance the body’s four humors, thought to govern health. Despite its dangerous risks—including infection and death—bloodletting remained a cornerstone of medical practice well into the 19th century. This treatment was prescribed for everything from fevers to headaches. Explore the history of bloodletting to see how long this practice endured.
