Fertilized roses with his own blood
Ralph Farrar suffered from hemochromatosis, which meant that his blood accumulated too much iron. The treatment was to have a pint of blood taken from him every week. This blood couldn't be used for other patients. So Farrar used it on his roses as an "iron-rich fertilizer instead of the commercial rose food containing dried animal blood."
After eight years of weekly blood-drainings his condition began to improve, so much so that he only had to have blood taken once every two months. No word on what happened to his roses as a result.
Info source: Newsweek - Sep 2, 1963
Update: Curious about how long Mr. Farrar could have lived with hemochromatosis, I did a google search and found what I'm pretty sure is his grave. He died at the age of 76 in 1989.
After eight years of weekly blood-drainings his condition began to improve, so much so that he only had to have blood taken once every two months. No word on what happened to his roses as a result.
Info source: Newsweek - Sep 2, 1963
Ralph Farrar pouring blood on his roses
The Tuscaloosa News - Jun 29, 1963
Update: Curious about how long Mr. Farrar could have lived with hemochromatosis, I did a google search and found what I'm pretty sure is his grave. He died at the age of 76 in 1989.
Comments
Just think of all the poor vampire children in 3rd world countries whose lives could have been saved had this guy only didn't think so highly of a weed.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 07/26/15 at 09:14 AM
Today I dobt they'd have given him his own blood to take home. It would be deemed a bio-hazard. I wonder if animal blood is still used in plant food and how that might effect vegans. 🐛
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 07/26/15 at 10:59 AM
Different condition, same treatment.
When I started, the clinic gave me a breakdown of what is involved in each session. I asked about the "Disposal Fee" because I wondered why they didn't donate it (I have a 'condition,' not a 'disease,' so no one could get it from my blood). At worst, I figured they'd throw it away with bandages and other medical waste. Turns out they have to send it out to be incinerated! Since this isn't a Chicken Little state with its own set of insane rules and regulations, I assume it's a Federal requirement.
When I started, the clinic gave me a breakdown of what is involved in each session. I asked about the "Disposal Fee" because I wondered why they didn't donate it (I have a 'condition,' not a 'disease,' so no one could get it from my blood). At worst, I figured they'd throw it away with bandages and other medical waste. Turns out they have to send it out to be incinerated! Since this isn't a Chicken Little state with its own set of insane rules and regulations, I assume it's a Federal requirement.
Posted by Phideaux on 07/26/15 at 07:26 PM
You'd think they could get the plasma or some other stuff out of it before disposing of it.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 07/26/15 at 11:43 PM
You can buy blood meal at Home Depot.
Posted by RobK on 07/29/15 at 11:22 AM
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Category: 1960s