Rapid Revision: Theory of the Four Humors

Introduction

• The theory of the four humors is a significant ancient medical concept.
• Important in ancient Greek medicine, medieval period, and beyond.

Origin of the Theory

• Based on ideas from Greek philosophers, notably Aristotle.
• Prominently used by Greek physician Hippocrates for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
• Focused on logical steps towards diagnosing ailments through symptoms.

The Four Humors

• The body comprises four liquids or humors:
  • Blood
  • Phlegm
  • Black Bile
  • Yellow Bile
• Linked to the four elements and seasons:
  • Blood - associated with warm and moist.
  • Phlegm - associated with cold and moist.
  • Black Bile - associated with cold and dry.
  • Yellow Bile - associated with warm and dry.

Balance and Health

• A balanced state of humors indicates good health.
• Imbalances in humors lead to illness or unwellness.
• Belief that humors also linked to personality traits.
• Seasonal illnesses explained through humor imbalances:
  • E.g., colds in winter/spring due to phlegm.

Examples of Illnesses and Treatments

1. Cold

   • Symptoms: shivers, phlegm, snot.
   • Cause: too much phlegm.
   • Treatment: extract phlegm (blowing nose, inhaling vapors).

2. Rash and Fever

   • Symptoms: redness of skin, high temperature.
   • Cause: too much blood.
   • Treatment: bloodletting to restore balance.

3. Constipation

   • Symptoms: inability to pass stools.
   • Cause: too little black bile.
   • Treatment: consume laxatives for relief.

Historical Significance

• Represents progress in ancient Greek medicine.
• Shows continuity in medieval practices; treatments based on humors persisted for centuries.
• Bleeding remained a common practice even into the 19th century.

Summary of the Theory's Impact

• The four humors:
  • Blood, Black Bile, Yellow Bile, Phlegm.
• Imbalance leads to illness; the theory rationalizes illness without supernatural explanations.
• Although incorrect, it was an important step in medical history.
• Treatments often addressed symptoms rather than root causes.
• Remained prevalent for centuries despite advancements in understanding disease.

Conclusion

• The theory of the four humors is a foundational concept in medical history, reflecting both progress and continuity in medical thought.