Member-only story

Blood: An Epic History of Medicine and Commerce

Derek Cook

·5.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Douglas Starr

4 min read

277 View Claps

53 Respond

Save

Listen

Blood is the life force of the human body. It carries oxygen and nutrients to our cells, removes waste products, and helps to fight infection. Blood has also been a source of fascination and fear throughout history, and has been used for both medical and commercial purposes.

The Early History of Blood

The earliest known use of blood for medical purposes dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it to treat wounds and burns. The Greeks and Romans also used blood for medicinal purposes, and the Roman physician Galen developed a theory of the four humors, which included blood. This theory held that the balance of the four humors in the body determined a person's health, and that bloodletting could be used to restore this balance.

Blood: An Epic History of Medicine and Commerce

by Douglas Starr

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3310 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	464 pages

Bloodletting was a common medical practice for centuries, and was used to treat a wide range of illnesses, from headaches to the plague. However, it was not until the 19th century that scientists began to understand the true nature of blood and its role in the human body.

The Discovery of Blood Groups

In 1900, the Austrian physician Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood group system. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of blood transfusion, as it allowed doctors to match donors and recipients based on their blood type. Prior to this discovery, blood transfusions were often fatal, as the recipient's immune system would attack the donor's blood cells.

The discovery of the ABO blood group system also led to the development of new blood typing systems, such as the Rh system. These systems have made blood transfusions much safer, and have saved millions of lives.

The Blood Industry

The development of blood transfusions also led to the creation of the blood industry. In the early 20th century, blood banks were established to collect and store blood for transfusion. This made it possible to provide blood to patients in a timely manner, and helped to reduce the risk of complications.

Today, the blood industry is a multi-billion dollar business. Blood products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from cancer to hemophilia. The blood industry is also essential for organ transplantation, as blood is needed to both preserve the organs and to transfuse the recipient.

The Future of Blood

The future of blood is bright. Scientists are continuing to make new discoveries about blood, and new blood products are being developed all the time. These advances are helping to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

Some of the most promising areas of research in blood include:

The development of artificial blood
The use of blood to treat diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS
The development of new blood typing systems

These advances are helping to make blood transfusions safer and more effective, and are paving the way for new treatments for a wide range of diseases.

Blood is a vital part of the human body, and it has played a major role in medicine and commerce throughout history. The discovery of blood groups and the development of blood transfusions have saved millions of lives, and the blood industry continues to play a vital role in healthcare today. The future of blood is bright, and new discoveries are being made all the time. These advances are helping to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

Blood: An Epic History of Medicine and Commerce

by Douglas Starr

4.5 out of 5