Medicine through time

• What were the four humours in ancient medicine?

  Blood, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm
• What did the theory of the four humours state about illness?

  Illness was due to imbalances in the humours
• How was the theory of the four humours viewed in terms of rationality?

  It was considered a rational explanation of illness
• Was the theory of the four humours correct?

  No, the theory was incorrect
• What was a major flaw in treatments based on the four humours?

  They treated symptoms, not the cause
• What were the nature of preventions based on the four humours?

  They were either common sense or harmful
• How long did the theory of the four humours remain influential?

  For centuries
• What are the key aspects of the theory of the four humours?

  • Four humours: blood, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm
  • Illness caused by imbalances
  • Rational explanation of illness
  • Incorrect theory
  • Treatments addressed symptoms, not causes
  • Preventive measures: common sense or harmful
  • Widespread belief for centuries