In the final quarter of the 19th century, dissatisfaction with blood transfusion prompted a brief wave of enthusiasm for transfusion of milk as a blood substitute. Although transfusion of cow's milk was first attempted in Canada in 1854, this form of treatment achieved its greatest popularity in the United States between 1873 and 1880. During this interval, transfusion of milk from cows, goats and humans was attempted. However, adverse effects, as well as the advent of isotonic saline solutions, prompted its discontinuance.