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"Leech Lady" Attracts Crowds To Unusual Museum
If you ever find yourself traveling anywhere near the southern Illinois town of Springfield, it would be worth your while to stop by to visit the "Leech Lady."
Barbara Mason, curator of the Pearson Museum, has an unusual claim to fame. She knows everything there is to know about leeches, those slimy black "water
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"Leech Lady" Attracts Crowds To Unusual Museum AG WORLD 28-4-22 If you ever find yourself traveling anywhere near the southern Illinois town of Springfield, it would be worth your while to stop by to visit the "Leech Lady."
Barbara Mason, curator of the Pearson Museum, has an unusual claim to fame. She knows everything there is to know about leeches, those slimy black "water worms" that were used for thousands of years by medical doctors.
Surprisingly, they've been making a comeback in recent years. Mason tells visitors to the medical museum about the history of leeches and about the ways they're being used today.
For example, one of the more amazing instances involving leeches in reconstructive surgery happened in Illinois in 1991 when an Amish youth was seriously injured by a tractor pto. His scalp was torn off and 44 stitches were required to reattach it. Leeches were attached to the scalp to help get the blood flowing again normally.
Leeches are also used regularly in limb reattachments. The bloodsuckers inject their own anesthetic into the skin as well as an anti-coagulant that keeps blood flowing after they're removed.
Although leeches live only six months without food, their life span shortens when they are needed during surgeries. "They have to keep the leeches hungry so they are ready for action when needed," she says. After doing their jobs, the leeches "forfeit their lives" because they could transmit disease if used again.
Other items found at this unusual museum include Roman surgical instruments from the second century, bloodletting instruments, a set of home hewn wooden false teeth, and outrageous treatments for the mentally ill.
While visitors are welcome, Mason recommends calling ahead of time to ensure that it isn't being used by students and residents at the medical school. Admission is free.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Barbara Mason, Pearson Museum, Department of Medical Humanities, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, P. O. Box 19635, Springfield, Ill. 62794-9635 (ph 217 545-8017; email: bmason@siumed.edu).
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