Means: bleeding

Since in most cases of mental disease there exist symptoms of high excitement, the use of the lancet would seem generally indicated; but unless there be obvious plethora or evident determination and congestion about the head, bleeding may increase rather than diminish the disease; when this evacuation be determined on, it may be offered either by leeches, cupping, venesection in the foot, arm or neck, or by arteriotomy.

C***
Practical Observations on Insanity, p. 130.