Unusual Jobs: Exploring 10 Vanished Professions from History

3. Leech Collectors: Harvesting Bloodsuckers for Medicine

In the 19th century, medicinal leeches were in high demand in Europe for their supposed therapeutic properties. Medical practitioners faced difficulty in procuring these leeches, so leech collectors came to the rescue. These collectors would attract blood-sucking leeches to the legs of animals, often using old horses as bait. Afterward, they would carefully detach the leeches and store them in jars or bags for sale to doctors and pharmacists. The profession was seasonal, with leech collectors working only during the warmer months when the leeches were most active.

September 10, 2023 | 5:07 pm