Sword swallowers have made important contributions to medicine—besides giving doctors work. “In 1868 Dr. Adolph Kussmaul at the University of Freiberg, Germany, developed the rigid endoscope, by using a sword swallower as his guinea pig. And he took him around on demonstrations. And sword swallowers have been used throughout the years as guinea pigs for the medical and science communities. That’s what we’re celebrating on February 28th, on Sword Swallowers Day.”

How interesting. I had no idea. Thanks for the clip.

Haha, I was not "aware" either.

I can't think of a more unpleasant career choice.

I am repressing the retch reflex in reading this intriguing piece! Thank you Willhelm, for such an enlightening clip!

My throat hurt just reading it.

amazing

"Sword swallowers Awareness Day"

I thought this was a gag at first. But I've managed to swallow the whole story in one gulp.


(Couldn't resist)