The Theory of the Four Humors

Introduction

• Important ancient medical idea.
• Influential in the medieval period and beyond.

Origin

• Based on Greek philosophers (e.g., Aristotle).
• Developed by Greek doctor Hippocrates.

Key Concepts

• Body composed of four humors (fluids):
  • Blood
  • Phlegm
  • Black bile
  • Yellow bile
• Linked to the four elements and seasons.

Diagram Reference

• Each humor correlates with bodily fluids:
  • Blood: obvious connection.
  • Phlegm: respiratory related.
  • Yellow bile: relates to vomit.
  • Black bile: linked to waste and dry blood.

Health and Illness

• Balance of humors = health.
• Imbalance = illness.
• Believed to link to personality traits.

Seasonal Illness Connections

• Illnesses common in certain seasons.
• Example: Colds in winter/spring due to more indoor activities.

Treatment Examples

• Cold Symptoms: Shivering, phlegm.

  • Cause: Too much phlegm.
  • Cure: Extract phlegm (e.g., blowing nose).

• Rash and Fever: Redness, high temperature.

  • Cause: Too much blood.
  • Cure: Bleeding the patient.

• Constipation: Difficulty going to the restroom.

  • Cause: Too little black bile.
  • Cure: Laxative foods for diarrhea.

Significance

1. Progress: Rational explanation for illness in ancient Greece.
2. Continuity: Survived through medieval times, influencing treatments.

• Bleeding as a common practice persisted into the 19th century.

3. Challenge: Renaissance brought challenges to this idea, but it remained influential.

Conclusion

• The four humors: blood, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm.
• Illness linked to imbalances in humors.
• Theory considered rational but ultimately incorrect.
• Treatments focused on symptoms rather than causes, often harmful.
• The theory's longevity reflects its historical importance.