Posted by Stuart (65.93.192.172) on September 16, 2002 at 19:14:14:
In Reply to: Re: Bahai teaching on vampirism? posted by Rob on September 15, 2002 at 12:01:19:
Rob makes an excellent point, joining a discussion with which I am very uncomfotable. As a medical specialist I can "certify" Rob's post. However, blood banks are supervised by physician(s) whereas the taking of blood donations is done by nurses or other paramedical personnel. There are other legal exceptions but they are exceptions. "Blood-letting" as a treatment for certain ailments still exists in numerous states but is legal as practised by a physician under special circumstances. The drinking of animal blood is also accepted legally for medicinal purposes in numerous countries and cultures and when done, is not supervised.
BUT - no example here is an example of "vampirism". Here is the elaborated definition of "vampirism":
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vamápiráism
n.
1. Belief in vampires.
2. The behavior of a vampire.
Source: The American Heritage¨ Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
"vampirism"
\Vam"pir*ism\, n. [Cf. F. vampirisme.] 1. Belief in the existence of vampires.
2. The actions of a vampire; the practice of bloodsucking.
3. Fig.: The practice of extortion. --Carlyle.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA
NOTE: the term refers clearly and specifically to the behavior of a vampire (fictive). It also refers to "bloodSUCKING", not blood drinking or blood letting.
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