Theory of the Four Humors

Overview

• Ancient medical idea important in the medieval period and beyond.
• Based on Greek philosophers, notably Aristotle, and used by Hippocrates.

Hippocrates and Diagnosis

• Hippocrates used the theory to diagnose illnesses and suggest treatments.
  • Marked a logical step towards scientific diagnosis based on symptoms.
• Theory involved four liquids (humors) linked to the four elements and seasons.

The Four Humors

1. Blood
2. Phlegm
3. Black Bile
4. Yellow Bile

Imaginative Understanding of Humors

• Blood: Obvious, related to circulatory health.
• Phlegm: Associated with colds, respiratory issues.
• Yellow Bile: Related to vomit, gastrointestinal disturbances.
• Black Bile: Linked to dry blood, scabs, digestive issues.

Balance and Health

• Health is maintained when humors are balanced.
• Imbalances lead to illness and affect personality.
• Seasonal illness patterns support the theory (e.g., colds in winter/spring).

Examples of Illness and Treatment

• Cold Symptoms: Shivers, phlegm.
  • Cause: Too much phlegm.
  • Treatment: Extracting phlegm (e.g., blowing nose).
• Rash and Fever: Red skin, high temperature.
  • Cause: Too much blood.
  • Treatment: Bleeding the patient.
• Constipation: Infrequent bowel movements.
  • Cause: Too little black bile.
  • Treatment: Laxative foods to induce diarrhea.

Importance of the Theory

• Progress: Represents a rational explanation of illness in ancient Greek times.
• Continuity: Survived through the medieval period; treatments like bleeding persisted until challenged in the Renaissance and remained into the 19th century.
  • Some believed regular bleeding was beneficial for health.

Final Points

• The four humors are:
  • Blood
  • Phlegm
  • Black Bile
  • Yellow Bile
• Illness stems from imbalances in these humors.
• Though rational, the theory is incorrect and treats symptoms, not causes.
• Preventative measures based on the humors were often common sense or harmful (e.g., bleeding).
• The theory remained influential for centuries.