Why was bloodletting so popular? - Stephanie Honchell Smith
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Subtitles (84 segments)
DownloadOn December 14th, 1799,
former US President George Washington woke struggling for breath,
his throat searing with pain.
He died later that day,
from what’s suspected to have been a badly infected epiglottis,
but not before he was prescribed an enema, steam therapy,
and rigorous bloodletting.
During four bleeding sessions, Washington lost approximately two liters—
roughly 40%— of his body’s blood supply.
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Key Vocabulary (15)
As an adjective or noun adjunct, it describes something relating to, consisting of, or conveying the life-sustaining fluid in the body. It is frequently used to specify medical tests, familial relationships, or physiological functions.
A century is a period of 100 years. It is a common unit of time used to group historical events and long durations.
"The century is important."
Grammar in This Video
"On December 14th, 1799, former US President George Washington woke struggling fo..."
"not before he was prescribed an enema, steam therapy, and rigorous bloodletting"
"It was to be avoided during cold weather"
"from what’s suspected to have been a badly infected epiglottis"
"drawing blood out with heated glass containers"
"badly infected epiglottis"
"Galen declared blood the most dominant humor"
"Despite bloodletting’s ubiquity, not everyone was enthusiastic."
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