A wide-ranging cultural history that traces the symbolic, scientific and practical roles of blood across human societies, examining how it has figured in myth and ritual, medicine and politics, food and identity; the book mixes historical research, scientific explanation and vivid storytelling to show how attitudes toward blood reflect changing beliefs about the body, community and power.

This influential medical text is a detailed study on the circulatory system, specifically focusing on the movement of blood and the function of the heart in living organisms. The author challenges the long-standing medical theories of his time, arguing against the belief that blood was created in the liver and then consumed by the body. Instead, he proposes that the heart acts as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body in a closed system. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for modern understanding of the circulatory system and cardiovascular health.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of blood, a substance that is both a vital component of our physiology and a symbol of life, death, and disease throughout human history. The narrative takes readers on a global journey, delving into the science, culture, and commerce of blood, from the history of bloodletting to the contemporary controversies surrounding blood donation and the blood trade. Through engaging storytelling, the author reveals the complexities of blood as a biological entity and its broader significance in society, touching on topics such as menstruation, bloodborne diseases, and the life-saving role of blood transfusions, while also examining the ethical implications of blood banking and the global inequalities in blood supply and access.