Astrology in Medieval Medicine

Astrology played a significant role in medieval medical practices, blending supernatural beliefs with attempts at systematic diagnosis.

Quote: "A physician (someone who practices medicine) would consult star charts, looking at when the patient was born and when they fell ill, to help identify what was wrong."

Key points about astrological medicine:

• Physicians used star charts to diagnose illnesses.
• The Church initially opposed astrological practices but became more accepting after the Black Death.
• Many believed celestial alignments could cause diseases like the Black Death.

Highlight: The use of astrology in medicine represents a blend of supernatural and pseudo-rational approaches to understanding disease.

The Theory of Four Humours

The Theory of Four Humours, originating from ancient Greek medicine, was a fundamental concept in medieval medical understanding.

Definition: The Theory of Four Humours proposed that the body contained four basic substances (humours) that needed to be in balance for good health.

Key aspects of the theory:

• The four humours were blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile (choler).
• Each humour was associated with different bodily fluids and symptoms.
• Illness was believed to result from an imbalance of these humours.

Vocabulary: The word "humour" in this context comes from the Greek word "humon," meaning fluid.

This theory, developed by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, remained influential throughout the medieval period, shaping disease explanations in medieval England and beyond.