Early experiments?

Thank God times have changed:

"The ancient Greeks thought that dogs could cure infections by licking them, and even restore sight to those who had gone blind by licking their eyes.
They believed that if a dog was put into contact with a sick person, the ailment would be passed to the dog. The poor animal would then be killed and an autopsy performed, so the sickness could be studied."

Re: Early experiments?

A lot of these are not necessarily early. Even today, Lions, Rhinos, Tigers etc are hunted and are driven to near extinction because of some tribal belief that bits of the animal will cure something or bestow mystical powers.

Re: Early experiments?

That's true Graham, but we're not usually shut in an enclosed space with to try and make them ill first.

Re: Early experiments?

Canine saliva does have some anti-bacterial properties, so maybe the Ancient Greeks weren't quite so unscientific as is thought.

Re: Early experiments?

That could be true our late Duncan we called Doctor Duncan, anyone had a cut he would lick it and next day healed up ! worked on rashes too. Initially we obviously tried to stop him as it is common knowledge dogs have dirty mouths but over the years we realised he was some sort of healer.