medicine - medieval Flashcards
What was the theory of the Four Humours?
It was a medical theory that the body contained four humors: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile.
Who proposed the theory of the Four Humours?
The theory was used by Greek philosopher Aristotle and Greek doctor Hippocrates.
What did Hippocrates use the Four Humours for?
Hippocrates used the theory to diagnose illnesses and suggest treatments.
What happens when the Four Humours are balanced?
When balanced, a person is healthy and has a good sense of humor.
What happens when the Four Humours are imbalanced?
Imbalance causes illness and can affect personality.
What season is linked with phlegm?
Phlegm is associated with wet, cold seasons like winter.
What symptoms are linked with phlegm?
Cold symptoms, like a runny nose and congestion, were linked to too much phlegm.
How did ancient Greeks treat too much phlegm?
They would blow their nose or inhale vapors to balance the humors.
What season is linked with blood?
Blood is linked with warm, dry seasons like summer.
What symptoms are linked with blood?
A rash and fever were thought to be caused by too much blood.
How did ancient Greeks treat too much blood?
They would bleed the patient to restore balance.
What season is linked with black bile?
Black bile is linked with autumn, a dry and cold season.
What symptoms are linked with black bile?
Constipation and dryness were linked to too little black bile.
How did the Greeks treat too little black bile?
They used laxatives to induce diarrhea and restore balance.
What season is linked with yellow bile?
Yellow bile is associated with hot, dry seasons like summer.
How did the Greeks believe illness was caused?
They believed imbalances in the humors caused illness.
What did the Four Humours theory explain about personality?
It suggested that imbalances in the humors also influenced personality traits.
Why did the Four Humours theory last so long?
It provided a logical explanation for illness, even though it was incorrect.
What was the importance of the Four Humours theory in medicine?
It represented progress in ancient times, as it was a scientific attempt to explain illness.
How long did the Four Humours theory influence medicine?
The theory influenced medicine for centuries, especially with treatments like bleeding.
What treatments were based on the Four Humours theory?
Bloodletting was a common treatment, believed to balance the humors.
What did the Four Humours theory focus on?
It focused on treating symptoms, not the underlying cause of the illness.
What was the problem with the treatments based on the Four Humours?
The treatments were often ineffective or harmful, like bloodletting.
How did the Four Humours theory evolve?
It marked progress in ancient Greece but became outdated and was challenged in later periods.
