The leech and the physician: Biology, etymology, and medical practice withHirudinea medicinalis

The history of the word "leech" and the practice of leeching reveal interco nnected social histories. We give the linguistic and medical histories of t he word, and explore its biology and clinical history. Our historical accou nt extends from the earliest known record of leeching to current research. Despite historical variation in its reputation as a therapeutic technique, leeching remains useful today in a number of applications. Further investig ation may well disclose even more uses for the leech, particularly for its enzymes with anesthetic, anticoagulant, and antimetastatic properties.