Algor Cards

The Four Humours Theory in Medicine

Concept Map

Algorino

Edit available

The Four Humours Theory, originating from Hippocrates, posits that health is governed by four bodily fluids, each linked to natural elements and temperaments. Galen of Pergamon later expanded this theory, which influenced medieval medicine through practices like bloodletting and the use of opposites in treatments. Despite its decline with advancements in Renaissance medicine, the theory's cultural impact persists in language and personality assessments.

The Origins and Principles of the Four Humours Theory

The Four Humours Theory is a foundational concept in the history of medicine, attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived from approximately 460 to 370 BCE. This theory suggests that human health and temperament are influenced by four primary bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Each humour is thought to correspond with one of the four elements of nature—air, water, fire, and earth—and is associated with specific personality characteristics. The sanguine humour, connected to blood and the element of air, is described as warm and moist. The phlegmatic humour, related to phlegm and water, is cool and moist. The choleric humour, linked to yellow bile and fire, is warm and dry, and the melancholic humour, associated with black bile and earth, is cool and dry. The balance of these humours was believed to be crucial for maintaining health, with any imbalance potentially leading to disease.
Still life with a red liquid in a glass flask, yellow sulfur in a blue ceramic bowl, black bile, an open book, and vials with colored liquids on a wooden table.

Galen's Contributions to Humoral Theory and Its Medical Influence

Galen of Pergamon, a prominent Roman physician and philosopher who lived from around 130 to 200 CE, expanded upon the Four Humours Theory established by Hippocrates. Galen's extensive writings and formulations, including the famous therapeutic concoction known as theriac, were instrumental in advancing medical knowledge. His interpretations of humoral theory became deeply entrenched in medical practice and education throughout the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe. The Church, which was a dominant force in medieval society, played a significant role in preserving and promoting Galenic and Hippocratic texts, as they were not in conflict with Christian doctrine. These texts were foundational in the training of physicians and the preparation of medicines by apothecaries, thereby influencing the medical treatments and public health measures of the era.

Show More

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

00

Humours and Corresponding Elements

Blood-Air, Phlegm-Water, Yellow Bile-Fire, Black Bile-Earth.

01

Humours and Personality Traits

Sanguine: optimistic, Phlegmatic: relaxed, Choleric: ambitious, Melancholic: analytical.

02

Humours' Balance Impact on Health

Equilibrium of humours essential for health; imbalance leads to disease.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Can't find what you were looking for?

Search for a topic by entering a phrase or keyword