$Unique_ID{BRK01251}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Where Did the Term "Blue Blood" Come From?}
$Subject{veins blue blood circulatory system vessels aristocrats white
translucent skin artery arteries vein bluish vessel aristocratic noble nobles
aristocrat}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Did the Term "Blue Blood" Come From?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I don't know whether you have ever dealt with this subject, but I
know you like medical trivia questions.  How about trying this one:  where did
the term "blue blood" come from?  If I don't see this in your column, I'll
know you don't have the answer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  You mustn't challenge me like this.  It drives me to degrees of
frenzied activity which could be bad for my health.  As you know all blood
vessels look blue when viewed through the skin, although they contain blood
that is red.  The lighter the skin, the more noticeable that blue shade is.
In the days of Aristocrats and Peasants, the peasants worked in the fields,
becoming brawny and tanned, and the color of the vessels became obscured.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, the aristocrats remained carefully protected
from the sun's rays, with white, translucent skin.  It was easy to see their
vessels, as fine blue lines contrasting with the fairness of the skin.  Blue
vessels meant blue blood to these folk, and thus aristocrats became known as
"Blue Bloods".  The fact is their blood is no different than ours.  Two points
for the Doctor, and who is next?

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.