the
operation of letting blood; a procedure that was used to cure diseases. A vein of the arm was
cut and a small amount of blood was withdrawn. Sometimes leeches were used to draw out the blood.
George Washington had contracted a severe
cold and so
bleeding was attempted to cure it. I
don't think
bleeding will
help him, it may not be the proper treatment.
—TRs in Life Glossary Final approval 28.1.90