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89: Understanding Blood & Peculiar Percussion

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Jul 31, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of blood and percussion! Explore ancient medical theories like humoral theory and the quirky history of bloodletting with leeches. Discover how blood science evolved from ancient understandings to modern transfusions. Shift gears to unique percussion instruments, including the quijada and cymbals, reflecting their cultural significance. Enjoy anecdotes and a playful quiz that connects blood and music, blending science and art in an engaging discussion!
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INSIGHT

Humoral Theory Dominated Medicine

  • Humoral theory viewed health as a balance of four bodily fluids including blood, lasting 1500 years in medicine.
  • It influenced treatments like bloodletting, despite lacking scientific accuracy.
ANECDOTE

Leech Craze Endangered Species

  • In the 1800s, Europe experienced a leech craze for bloodletting, leading to leech population endangerment.
  • Ella visited a UK leech breeding program aiming to conserve medicinal leeches for modern medical use.
INSIGHT

Pulmonary Circulation Discovered Early

  • Ibn al-Nafiz accurately described pulmonary circulation 400 years before it was accepted.
  • His discovery was ignored for centuries despite correcting Galen's heart theories.
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