The early 19th century saw a resurgence in the use of leeches for medical use, especially during the cholera epidemic of the 1830s in Europe and America. Though leeches did prove to have anti-inflammatory effects, they did not cure or mitigate cholera and by mid-century were rarely used in medicine.
This trade card touts a Miss H.M. Rice. She specialized in the application of leeches within the office of physician Ashel Boyden, whose office at 42 Hancock Street, Boston, was active from about 1836 to after 1840. Unfortunately, we have not yet found further identifying evidence of Miss Rice in Boston, but this card illustrates another important way women contributed to the workforce in the 19th century.
~ Christine Morris, Associate Curator of Graphic Arts and Registrar
