Ew.

So for whatever reason, I am reading a 17th century midwives handbook. Each chapter deals with some part or another of pregnancy and childbirth. I'm just now reading the section on hemorrhoids, and am horrified by the suggested methods to deal with them! Bloodletting is nothing compared to:

Take twelve red snails without their shells, 30 or 40 wood-lice, boil them for a small time in linseed oil, and make an ointment thereof, and annoint the hemorrhoids therewith.

I'm sorry. Boiled snails and lice?? Rubbed onto my backside??? NO THANK YOU!

Reading this handbook, I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am to be delivering in the 21st century!!