[p. xlvi]
I do not think that it has been noticed what an
interesting parallel is afforded by the term "Homeridae."
A family of poets tracing their descent from
Homer finally could give their name to any public
reciter of the Homeric poems.
See e.g. Pindar, Nemeans II. 1. |
8. THE DOCTRINE OF HUMOURS.
The doctrine of the humours probably had its
origin
It is supposed by some that the humoral pathology
originated in Egypt. See Sir Clifford Allbutt, Greek Medicine
in Rome, p. 133. |
in superficial deductions from obvious facts of
physiology, but it was strongly coloured by philosophic
speculation, in particular by the doctrine of
opposites. Indeed it is impossible to keep distinct
the various influences which acted and reacted upon
one another in the spheres of philosophy and
medicine; only the main tendencies can be clearly
distinguished.
Even the most superficial observer must notice
(a) that the animal body requires air, fluid, and solid
food; (b) that too great heat and cold are fatal to
life, and that very many diseases are attended by
fever; (c) that fluid is a necessary factor in digestion;
(d) that blood is in a peculiar way connected with
life and health.
These simple observations were reinforced by the
speculations of philosophers, particularly when philosophy
took a biological or physiological turn, and