When that genius, the physician Robert Mayer, discovered the conservation of energy as the result of his acute observation, that blood drawn by venesection in the tropics was redder than that drawn in colder climates, he found that scientific circles were not only not ready to accept his demonstration, but that he was looked upon as a visionary, somewhat as one who thought that he had solved the problem of squaring the circle or the endless puzzle of perpetual motion.
"Makers of Modern Medicine"
James J. Walsh
It was the custom to practise venesection very freely.
"Makers of Modern Medicine"
James J. Walsh
On one or two occasions in his own lifetime Morgagni fell ill and venesection was recommended.
"Makers of Modern Medicine"
James J. Walsh