Throughout history, certain practices and beliefs are known as markers of status, power, or health, only to be debunked and discarded by later generations.
These outdated concepts, from bloodletting to phrenology, not only misunderstood human biology but often caused more harm than good.
Let’s uncover these historical practices that we have left behind. Join us as we celebrate the progress and enlightenment that have led us to abandon them.
Bloodletting as Medical Treatment
Bloodletting was once a common medical practice used to treat a variety of ailments by removing blood from a patient. This method was based on the belief that it would balance bodily humors. Modern medicine has proven this practice not only ineffective but also dangerous, and it’s a reminder of the importance of scientific advancement in healthcare.
Phrenology
Phrenology, the study of skull shapes as a predictor of mental traits, was considered a legitimate science in the 19th century. It suggested that bumps on the head corresponded with personality traits and mental abilities. Today, it’s recognized as pseudoscience, and the idea that our skulls can determine our character is rightly dismissed as baseless.
Using Mercury for Healing
Mercury was used in treatments for a range of disorders including syphilis and depression, believed to cure ailments because of its unique properties. However, mercury is highly toxic, causing severe health problems rather than healing. The discontinuation of its use in medicine is a significant win for patient safety.
Racial Eugenics
Eugenics, the practice of improving the genetic quality of the human population by selective breeding, targeted many minority groups and promoted racial purity ideas. It led to forced sterilizations and influenced horrific Nazi ideologies. Acknowledging the deep harm caused by these beliefs, society has largely condemned eugenics as unethical and discriminatory.
Lobotomies for Mental Illness
Lobotomies were once performed to treat psychiatric disorders involving the severing of connections in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This procedure often left patients severely impaired or drastically changed. The barbaric nature of lobotomies has been abandoned for more humane and effective mental health treatments.
Corsets for Fashion
Corsets were tightly laced garments worn to cinch the waist and lift the bust, considered essential for women’s fashion up until the early 20th century. They often caused health problems like breathing difficulties and misaligned organs. The fashion industry has since moved towards more health-conscious and comfortable designs.
Child Labor
Child labor was widely accepted during the Industrial Revolution, with children working long hours in dangerous conditions. This practice stunted physical and mental development and denied children their basic rights to education and childhood. Strong labor laws have been enacted to protect children, recognizing their right to a safe and supportive upbringing.
Smoking for Health
In the early 20th century, smoking was often advertised as beneficial for one’s health, with doctors even endorsing tobacco products. Subsequent research has unequivocally shown the severe health risks associated with smoking, including lung cancer and heart disease. Public health campaigns now aim to reduce smoking rates and increase awareness of its dangers.
Women Belong in the Home
The outdated belief that a woman’s place is solely in the home, caring for children and managing household duties, limited women’s roles in society. This view undermined women’s potential in professional and academic fields. Today, it’s widely recognized that gender roles are fluid, and opportunities should not be restricted by sex.
Sati Practices
Sati, the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre, was once considered a sign of ultimate devotion in some parts of India. Recognized today as a brutal and oppressive act, sati has been legally banned and is widely condemned as a violation of human rights. The practice is a stark reminder of the need for continual progress in women’s rights.
Geocentric Universe
The belief that the Earth was the center of the universe dominated ancient and medieval science until the Copernican Revolution. This geocentric view limited our understanding of the cosmos and was debunked by later astronomical discoveries. Recognizing the sun-centered solar system has expanded our exploration and understanding of the universe.
Gay Conversion Therapy
Gay conversion therapy, the pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation, has been widely discredited and condemned. It has been shown to cause significant psychological harm without any scientific basis for effectiveness.
Many places have rightfully banned this practice, recognizing the importance of embracing and supporting LGBTQ+ identities.
Witch Hunts
Witch hunts in historical Europe and colonial America involved the persecution and execution of individuals, mostly women, accused of witchcraft. These acts were often fueled by hysteria, superstition, and misogyny. The recognition of these injustices has led to a broader understanding of the need for legal fairness and human rights protections.
Debtors’ Prisons
Debtors’ prisons were institutions where those unable to pay debts were locked away, sometimes indefinitely. These prisons were both inhumane and ineffective, as imprisonment prevented individuals from working to repay their debts. Modern systems focus more on debt rehabilitation and economic support structures to prevent such extreme measures.
Human Zoos
Human zoos were public exhibitions in the 19th and early 20th centuries that displayed people, typically in a mock natural environment, for entertainment. These exhibits were dehumanizing and perpetuated racist stereotypes. The discontinuation of human zoos reflects an increased respect for cultural diversity and human dignity.
Feudalism
Feudalism structured society around rigid hierarchies and land ownership, often leading to significant social inequalities. This system tied peasants to the land and their lords, offering little opportunity for personal advancement. The move away from feudal structures has allowed for more democratic forms of government and societal organization.
Foot Binding
Foot binding was a practice in China meant to restrict the growth of girls’ feet to achieve small “lotus feet,” which were considered beautiful. This painful procedure often led to lifelong disabilities and limited mobility. The practice was banned in the early 20th century, recognizing the need for social practices that promote health and autonomy rather than oppression.
Divine Right of Kings
The doctrine of the divine right of kings asserted that monarchs derived their authority from God, making their decisions unquestionable. This led to absolute rule and the suppression of dissent. Modern democratic principles challenge this notion, advocating for government accountability and separation of church and state.
Human Sacrifices
In various ancient cultures, human sacrifices were performed to appease gods or as part of religious rituals. Today, such practices are viewed as barbaric, and modern religions and ethical systems condemn them. The evolution away from these rituals highlights a broader societal shift towards valuing human life and ethical conduct.
Trepanation
Trepanation, the practice of drilling holes into the skull to treat health issues like migraines or mental disorders, was common in ancient times.
While it’s one of the oldest forms of surgery, its effectiveness for such treatments is highly questionable by modern medical standards. Advances in medical science have thankfully provided safer and more effective treatments for neurological conditions.
Trial by Ordeal
Trial by ordeal was a judicial practice where the accused underwent painful, often life-threatening tests to determine guilt based on the outcome.
This method was based on the belief that divine intervention would reveal the truth. Legal systems based on evidence and reason have replaced such arbitrary and cruel methods, reflecting an advancement in judicial practices and human rights.
