Medieval Medicine and The Four Humors
History of Medieval Medicine Medieval medicine in Western Europe was made up of a mixture of medical ideas, religion, and superstition. Before the Christian Church gained power, much of medieval medicine was based on magic and superstition. Spells, incantations, prayer and herbal home remedies were the main source of treatment.
History con’t. The practice of medicine became even more complicated as Christianity became the dominant religion. Once the The Christian Church gained power, it wanted to replace the people’s beliefs in magical healing, with a stronger belief in God’s power. The church explained illness as punishment by God. Therefore, prayer or repentance could heal.
Humorism & Medieval Medicine The underlying theory in medieval medicine was that of The Humors (also spelled Humours). The theory came more from ancient European writings than from the more correct theories of ancient Greek philosophers like Galen of Pergamum.
Humorism con’t. Humorism stated that within every body there are four humors, or principle fluids, that control everything from a person’s health to his personality. The belief was that a doctor could manipulate the health or personality of a patient by manipulating one or more of the four fluids.
Humorism con’t. The Humors are: Melancholic (black bile) Phlegmatic (phlegm) Sanguine (blood) Choleric (yellow bile) Each was believed to have specific influences…
Melancholic Melancholic, or black bile, was believed to reside in the spleen It’s nature is classified as cold and dry It’s natural element is Earth
Phlegmatic Phlegm, or spit, was believed to reside in the lungs It’s nature is classified as cold and wet It’s natural element is water
Sanguine Sanguine, or blood, was believed to reside in the head It’s nature is classified as warm and wet It’s natural element is Air
Choleric Choleric, or yellow bile, was believed to reside in the Gall Bladder It’s nature is classified as warm and dry It’s natural element is Fire
Your Center This Week… Now it’s Quiz Time!!! You will take the Four Humors Personality Quiz. Then, after you’ve received the results, write a well-developed paragraph stating whether you agree or disagree with the personality quiz and WHY. Which Humor Are You?
If you are Melancholy, you are: Thoughtful Kind Considerate Emotional Creative and Artistic Loner Perfectionist
If you are Phlegmatic, you are: Self-content Kind Shy Lazy Relaxed Rational Observant Compassionate
If you are Sanguine, you are: Light-hearted Fun Spontaneous Confident Arrogant Unpredictable Self-indulgent
If you are Choleric, you are: Ambitious Energetic Passionate Dominant Charismatic Bad-tempered