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The four humours, diagram
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The four humours, diagram
The four humours. Diagram showing the relationship between the four humours, basic qualities of the body and its diseases, and nature and the seasons. This theory dates back to the time of the Ancient Greeks, and was also used in Arabic medicine and medieval Europe. In the nineteenth century, it was slowly replaced by modern medicine. The concentric circles surrounding health show: the life stages, the seasons, the four classical elements (Fire, Earth, Water, Air), the modern and ancient names of the four humours (yellow bile, choleric; black bile, melancholic; phlegm, phlegmatic; blood, sanguine) and the known heavenly bodies (Sun-Mars, Saturn, Moon-Venus, Jupiter). The quarters of hot, dry, wet and cold are also shown. The theory tried to explain diseases in terms of excesses of these four humours in the human body
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Media ID 6419935
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ancient Greek Arabic Astrological Astrology Autumn Blood Bodies Child Hood Circle Circles Circular Classical Cold Conditions Diagram Diseases Disorders Fire Heat Historical Image History Of Medicine Humour Jupiter Mars Modern Moon Natural Philosophy Old Age Phlegm Planets Quartet Round Saturn Season Seasonal Seasons Spring Treatment Venus Winter Youth Choleric Humours Melancholic Middle Age Opposites Phlegmatic Sanguine
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a historical diagram depicting the fascinating concept of "The four humours". Dating back to ancient Greek times, this theory was widely used in Arabic medicine and medieval Europe until it gradually gave way to modern medical practices in the nineteenth century. The intricate illustration features concentric circles that encompass various elements related to health, including life stages, seasons, classical elements (Fire, Earth, Water, Air), and the names of the four humours (yellow bile, black bile, phlegm, blood). Additionally, it highlights the celestial bodies associated with each humour (Sun-Mars for yellow bile; Saturn for black bile; Moon-Venus for phlegm; Jupiter for blood). By exploring excesses of these four humours within the human body—hotness/coldness and dryness/wetness—the theory aimed to explain different diseases and their origins. This comprehensive visual representation also incorporates astrological symbolism by linking specific heavenly bodies with each humour. With its blend of historical significance and astronomical influences intertwined with medical concepts from yesteryears, this image serves as a testament to humanity's quest for understanding health throughout centuries. As we marvel at this circular artwork filled with rich details and symbolic representations of nature's forces on our well-being—be it youth or old age—we gain insight into how our ancestors perceived health conditions through an entirely different lens.
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