was transfused and the patient suffered a near-fatal episode of shock.

His pulse raced, slowed, raced again. He complained of pains in the kidneys and stomach and the tube was quickly removed. He vomited and then went into a deep sleep, waking the next morning feeling well and calm.

The physician didn't realise it, but Mauroy had reacted to the animal blood proteins which are completely foreign to human blood.

The body reacts quickly, mobilizing antibodies to destroy the invading cells and the reaction causes violent destruction of the incoming red cells. It was only by luck that Mauroy survived.

Across the English Channel, physicians read of Denis's achievement with dismay. They had been the first to transfuse blood between animals, and the first to propose human transfusions. Professional pride was at stake.

The English had reason for this pride as they could trace a direct line from their experiments back to Harvey who, forty years earlier, proved that blood circulated through arteries and veins.

After extensive anatomical studies, he had concluded that blood flowed purposefully and circulated through a closed one-way system, and that the heart was a simple mechanical pump.

He revolutionised the way people viewed the body, which was now seen as more mechanical than mystical, and he gave birth to the field of anatomical anatomy.

After Mauroy's experiment, the English hurried to regain the lead in transfusion medicine and two doctors, Lower and King, who had been leading the way in animal transfusion experiments, paid 20 shillings to one Arthur Coga, to be transfused with sheep's blood.

He was transfused with 12 ounces of blood and a week later was fit enough to join the two doctors for dinner in a public house.

  The animal/human transfusion technique spread to Holland, Germany and Italy, where wildly exaggerated claims came to be made.

Mauroy was facing increased pressure in France from jealous rivals and he was eventually taken to court after being charged with malpractice.

He was absolved from all charges, but the court ruled that any doctor wishing to perform transfusions, must first get permission from the Faculty of Medicine.

This was a blow as the faculty mostly consisted of hidebound, hierarchical doctors and the more progressive doctors would sooner abandon their procedures than submit to faculty approval.

The practice of transfusion faded away. Two years later in 1670, the French parliament banned all transfusions involving human beings, and the English followed suit.

  The saga will continue in the next issue...

For enquiries about local blood clinics, phone 8711030.

DIE nuwe koffiekroeg van Charis Outreach Ministries (agter Foodworld in die Paarl) is reeds baie gewild onder die jeug.

"Ons wil jongmense vir Jesus wen," sê past Reggie Hendricks van die koffiekroeg wat elke Vrydagaand om halfagt begin.

Past Hendricks bied self ook elke week 'n geselsprogram, "The Firm Foundation", by die koffiekroeg aan. Dit is daarop gemik om die jeug te help met groepsdruk.

Onlangs het Pieter Visser, voorsitter van die Paarl-Oos Polisieforum, en 'n paar polisiebeamptes gesels oor die gevare van dwelms.

Programme oor bendes, die tiener en seks, kindermolestering en hoe om 'n verskil te maak, word vir Augustus beplan.

Navrae kan gerig word aan evangelis Denstin Hendricks by 862-4910.

THIS year several of the Vignerons de Franschhoek have donated barrels of wine to be auctioned at the annual Hospice de Franschhoek Fine Wine and Art Auction.

In addition a host of collectable wines and a stunning array of artworks have also been donated for the auction which will be held on Saturday 14 September at Boschendal Wine Estate near Franschhoek.

The idea for this auction was inspired by the world famous auction held to raise money for the Hospice de Beaune, a charitable movement started in Burgundy in 1443.

The first Hospice de Beaune Auction was held in Burgundy in 1851 and is now a major annual event on the French wine calendar. It looks like the Franschhoek Auction is going to follow suit.

Those donating barrels include Chamonix and Mont Rochelle (Chardonnay), Boekenhoutskloof (Cabernet Sauvignon), Jean Daneel Wines and Môreson (blended red wine).

The Vignerons have donated some wonderful wines including an eight litre bottle of La Motte Shiraz 1999, 24 bottles (750ml) of La Motte Millennium 1991, Boschendal Merlot 1997, Dieu Donné Cabernet/Merlot 1997, six magnums of Pierre Jourdan Brut, a collection of Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon from 1993 to 1997, two three litre bottles of L'Ormarins Shiraz 1986 and a nine litre bottle of Graham Beck Shiraz 2000 and Graham Beck Pinotage 2000 each.

Errol Boyley has once again donated two oil paintings as has his wife, Jos.

Other artists who have promised work are Alta van Zyl, Vernon Swart, David Oosthuizen, Roni Mackeson, Francois Malherbe, Pat Bird, Robin Mann and Rosita Manser.

David Walters has made a beautiful ceramic vase while Jean Doyle has donated a bronze sculpture entitled 'Edge of the Moon'.

Uwe Koetter and Tracey's Jewellers will each be donating a piece of jewellery while Du Toit's Jewellers are donating a huge painting called the 'Storming of the Bastille'.

Once again the chefs of Franschhoek have offered to donate their services in cooking a meal for 20 people which was much sought after at last year's auction. In addition, Matthew Gordon of Haute Cabriere will be offering a cooking course for two.

Truckles have donated two cheeses which will be the perfect partners to many of the wines on auction.

There will also be a raffle for a hamper of Clarins products on the day of the auction.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a splendid day and pick up some rare wines or perhaps a beautiful work of art.

Only 300 tickets are available and will be sold individually or by table of ten at a cost of R325 per person.

This includes a three-course luncheon by the famous chefs of Franschhoek and Vignerons de Franschhoek wines.

Tickets are available from the Vignerons office tel 876-3062.