Haemostasis is an essential act in surgical procedures. Technical, physical and chemical devices' improvement in haemostasis is joined to the historical evolution of surgery. In ancient times haemostasis had also a magic and religious value. Simple but effective manoeuvres developed by medicine-men and barber-surgeons are used to control bleeding. Often their original intuitions anticipated scientific discoveries. Ancient haemostatic instruments and the way to use them represent the heritage of old and famous surgeons; some of these procedures are still used in operating rooms.