Leech jar

Description

Pharmacists used leech jars to store live leeches, ready for sale to patients. The leeches would be kept inside in water, unfed to keep them hungry! The holes in the lid were for admitting air. These had to be very small, as the leech’s body is elastic and capable of escaping through the smallest opening.

Leeches have been used as a method of bleeding a patient for around 3,000 years. Bleeding was believed to be a cure for anything from headaches to gout, and was often the treatment of first resort.

Fact

Leeches are still sometimes used today after plastic and reconstructive surgery as they help restore blood flow and circulation!