Red Gold . Blood Basics . Introduction

Blood backgrounders written for the hematologist, historian, or humble invoice.

A selection of articles to further your understanding of the production and function of blood within the human body; the views about blood that predominated for centuries and the medical practices that such views helped to engender; the advancements in the medical use and collection of blood brought on by war, most notably World War II; modern-day techniques for the collection, storage, and use of blood. Some articles are augmented by video clips from RED GOLD: THE EPIC STORY OF BLOOD. (The free RealPlayer plug-in is required to view the clips.)

Grouped under four subject headings, the articles can be accessed by clicking on the article title links at right.


		The Circulatory System Blood Vessels What Is Blood Made Of? Blood Plasma How Is Blood Produced? Blood Groups and Typing Blood and the Treatment of Disease

		Humors Blood in Ancient Judaism and Christianity A Brief History of Bloodletting Bloodletting Bloodletting Instruments Leeches Barber-Surgeons Transfusions

		Blood on the Hoof World War I and the Spanish Civil War World War II Blood Programs World War II Transport of Blood Red Cross Blood Donor Service Protecting German Blood Post-War Blood Systems

		Blood Collection Blood Use in the Hospital Making the Blood Supply Safer Tests Performed on Donated Blood Autologous Transfusion Bad Blood

Photos: Red blood cells (detail), courtesy of cellsalive.com © James A. Sullivan; woman being bled, courtesy of the National Library of Medicine; "Your Blood Can Save Him" poster (detail), courtesy of the U.S. National Archives; and blood storage refrigerator (detail), courtesy of the National Library of Medicine.