Ganglion cyst, aka “Bible bump”, aka “Let’s hit you with a large book!”

Given the name “Bible cyst” or “Bible bump” from the original “treatment” of hitting the deformity with a Bible or other large book, ganglion cysts are actually considered tumors. Over 60% of the non-cancerous tumors of the hand are ganglionic, but their etiology is still not completely understood.

The first description of these tumors was given by Hippocrates as “knots of tissue containing mucoid flesh”, but the first theories of their origins weren’t put forth until 1746, when one Dr. Eller wrote a descriptive paper on them. He believed that they came from synovial herniation,  or rupture through the tendon sheath, and that they were true cysts.

Later theories recognized that the tumors were growths arising from ganglionic sheaths and not encysted fluids or mucoid tissues, but the old theory of “just smack it with a heavy object to burst it and make the body reabsorb it” still stuck around for a long time. Though bursting the tumor can cause temporary disappearance, this often causes more serious recurrence and additional growth. As these tissues are not cancerous, it’s generally recommended to leave them alone when they’re not interfering with normal function. Sometimes they can press against other tendons or nerves and necessitate aspiration or surgical removal, but the incidence of recurrence is over 40%. In about 75% of cases, the “cyst” will disappear or significantly decrease on its own.

So, yeah, don’t let anyone convince you to let them smack you with a heavy object, just because you have one of these growths! It’s a bad idea to let people smack you with heavy objects, just as a general rule…

[Source: Medscape Reference: Ganglions]

[Image: Iconograms. Prof. Bockenheimer, 1913.]

Condor Vulture [Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus]

Andean Condors subsist almost completely on carrion, and unlike some vultures, are not inclined to hunt and kill fresh prey. However, as the largest flighted bird, one can almost see where the fear of infant abduction would come about.

Arcana: Or, The Museum of Natural History; Containing the Most Recent Discovered Objects. George Perry, 1811.

One of many questionable devices on the photostream.

Right out of a mad scientist’s laboratory.

Campbell’s X-Ray and High Frequency Apparatus is the Standard of the World

I’ll post some of their more “interesting” devices later, I just love the design of the catalogue cover. Note the x-ray tube at the top and the “high-frequency” (“violet ray”) tube at the bottom.

ETA: Feel free to delete text if you reblog.

Top: Female and male bear
Bottom: Female and male wolf

The physician Sextus Placitus wrote an extensive materia medica during the last days of the Roman Empire. His materia medica was largely composed of the supposed uses of various animals in treating illnesses, and has some of the most colorful “treatments” out there. For example, he recommends boiling and consuming a small puppy to relieve colic.

Yeah. He was one of those sorts of “physicians”.

Liber medicinae ex animalibus. Original text by Sextus Placitus ca. 390 CE, transcribed and illustrated ca. 1400 CE.

djgagnon:

questionableadvice:

~ Healy & Bigelow’s New Cook Book, 1890
via Duke University Libraries
(click to enlarge)

“DEATH…can always be secured, without actual suicide, by submitting to the experiments of the “regular” doctors.”

Pax Canadensis crack team of researchers add …

‘INDIAN SAGWA: Soda Bicarb, Gentian Root, Mandrake Root, Cubebs Rubarb Root, Senna Leaves, Aniseed Red Cinchona Bark, Yellow Dock Root Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, Sacred Bark, Licorice Root, Aloes, Alcohol Glycerine, and Water.’ 

http://www.bottlebooks.com/kickapoo.htm

‘A typical patent medicine, or a cure-all, produced by the trio of “Doc” Healy, “Texas Charlie” Bigelow, and “Nevada Ned” Oliver, who originated the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company in 1881.’

http://www.skeptiseum.org/index.php?id=89&cat=medicine

With names like Texas Charlie, Nevada Ned, and Doc … you know it’s legit.

cabbagingcove:

Toiletine, the “Fountain of Youth”

I’m not sure I’d ever be able to trust a compound intended for use on the skin, and internally (for everything from sore throat to piles) - something described as “lotion” does not sound edible!

Official Souvenir Program, Greenfield (Massachusetts) Sesquicentennial. 1903.

forgottenantiquities:

Stickney and Poor’s Paregoric was a mixture of opium and 46% alcohol. Used to heal ailments in both adults and children in the early 1900s. (via Bytes)

my-ear-trumpet:

1886 Two Paths What Will The Boy Become? Victorian Phrenology Chart (from Surrender Dorothy)

cabbagingcove:

[You really shouldn’t attempt to cure your pneumonia with a box-sauna, just sayin]

J.N.Henri

Vacuum tubes for the arm and leg

(Traité complet de l’anatomie de l’homme / 1831-1854)