Embossed Rexall Store Pharmacy Leech Bowl

In the 19th century, it was commonly believed that removing a patient's blood would prevent illness and cure disease -- and leeches were the tool of choice!

Medicinal bloodletting dates back to the days of Ancient Egypt around 3100 BC where leeches were used to treat a variety of conditions including fever, gout and various inflammatory diseases. 

Why leeches you ask? These tiny worm-like bloodsuckers secrete an anticoagulant called hirudin, which thins the blood and prevents clots. They also inject an anesthetic into the skin when they bite. A handy tool to any doctor in the early days of modern medicine. 

In the 1800s, leechmania struck Europe and America. Medicinal leeches were used so frequently -- both professionally and by the general public -- that they almost became extinct! 

The leech trade was known to be both difficult and treacherous. Thankfully, in order to safely procure these helpful little parasites, all one would need to do is visit their local pharmacy where they would have a bowl, like this one, behind the counter filled to the brim with leeches. 

The practice of leeching eventually fell out of favor and became associated with quack medicine by the early to mid 20th century, however, some present-day surgeons still employ the method when reattaching limbs. 

This particular pharmacy bowl is from The Rexall Store, an American pharmacy chain founded in 1903. It was hand blown into a mold and has that wonderful wavy glass that every antique glass enthusiast loves! It also is beautifully embossed with the words "From The Rexall Store, Trade Mark."

While, today, these particular bowls are marketed and sold as leech bowls, their true original purpose is a bit unclear. Some say they held leeches in the store. Some say they were given to customers to carry their leeches home in. Still others say the trade catalogs of the time did not specifically refer to them as leech bowls, but they still could have been used for that purpose. 

We like to envision those tiny little suckers swimming around in this cute bowl, but if they ever really did will remain a mystery!