History-Medicine through time

• What is the theory of the four humors?

  An ancient medical idea about bodily fluids
• Who primarily developed the theory of the four humors?

  Hippocrates, a Greek doctor
• How did Hippocrates use the theory of the four humors?

  To diagnose illnesses and suggest treatments
• What are the four humors according to the theory?

  Blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile
• How are the four humors linked to elements and seasons?

  Each humor corresponds to an element and season
• What happens when the humors are imbalanced?

  A person becomes unwell
• How did the ancient Greeks explain colds?

  Too much phlegm in the body
• What treatment would the Greeks suggest for a cold?

  Extracting phlegm to balance humors
• What was believed to be the cause of a rash and fever?

  Too much blood in the body
• What was the believed cause of constipation?

  Too little black bile in the body
• What treatment would be suggested for constipation?

  Eating laxative foods to induce diarrhea
• What treatment might be suggested for a rash and fever?

  Bleeding the patient to restore balance
• How does the theory of the four humors represent continuity in medieval medicine?

  • Survived for a long time
  • Treatments like bleeding persisted
  • Continued into the 19th century
• How does the theory of the four humors represent progress in ancient medicine?

  • Provided a scientific explanation for illness
  • Attempted to diagnose based on symptoms
  • Moved away from supernatural explanations
• What was the belief about bleeding in medieval times?

  It was considered vital for health
• What were the limitations of treatments based on the four humors?

  They treated symptoms, not causes
• What were the four humors and their associated characteristics?

  • Blood: associated with warmth and moisture
  • Phlegm: associated with cold and moisture
  • Black bile: associated with cold and dryness
  • Yellow bile: associated with warmth and dryness
• What is the conclusion about the theory of the four humors?

  It was incorrect but influential for centuries
• Who was Hippocrates?

  An ancient Greek doctor
• What did Hippocrates believe about illness?

  It had a natural cause
• Why are Hippocrates' ideas still influential today?

  Some of his methods are still in use
• What is the time frame of the course mentioned?

  1250 to present day
• How did Hippocrates influence the medieval period?

  He is the starting point for it
• What was a consequence of people being reluctant to challenge Hippocrates?

  It may have held back medical progress
• What was Hippocrates' big idea?

  Clinical observation and diagnosis
• What did Hippocrates develop further?

  The theory of the four humors
• How did Hippocrates' clinical observation work?

  By observing and recording patient symptoms
• What would a physician do after diagnosing a patient?

  Refer to previous treatment attempts
• What happens if a treatment is effective?

  It can be used again
• What is the process if a treatment is not effective?

  Record and observe again
• What is the Hippocratic Corpus?

  A series of texts by Hippocrates
• What is the Hippocratic Oath?

  A promise for doctors to be trusted
• Why is trust important for doctors according to Hippocrates?

  Patients may not seek help otherwise
• What does the Hippocratic Oath emphasize?

  Preventing disease is preferable to cure
• What does the Hippocratic Oath say about respecting traditions?

  Doctors should preserve the finest traditions
• What is one of Hippocrates' lasting contributions?

  Methods influential for millennia
• What did Hippocrates popularize regarding disease?

  The theory of the four humors
• How did Hippocrates influence later doctors like Galen?

  His ideas inspired their work
• What is Hippocrates often considered?

  The first true doctor in history
• What did Hippocrates introduce regarding illness treatment?

  Natural treatments for natural causes