Causes of Disease (Roman) Flashcards Preview

GCSE History: Medicine > Causes of Disease (Roman) > Flashcards

Flashcards in Causes of Disease (Roman) Deck (4)
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1
Q

What were the four humours?

A

A theory for why disease occurs created by Hippocrates and furthered by Galen.
-Phlegm (winter), Blood (spring), Black bile (autumn), yellow bile (summer)

2
Q

How did the four humours cause disease?

A

Believed that an imbalance in the four humours would cause disease, must be balanced to stay healthy

3
Q

Supernatural theories?

A
  • Caused by the stars (Ginas of Massilia)
  • Creatures too tiny to see (Varro)
  • Punishment from the Gods (popular belief)
4
Q

Natural theories?

A

MIASMA: there was a general belief that bad air and smells could cause disease
-Blamed poisonous vapours in the swamps (Columella)