Passions and Tempers: A History of the Humours - Softcover

Arikha, Noga

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060731176 ISBN 13: 9780060731175

Publisher: Ecco, 2008

Synopsis

Physicians in ancient Greece believed four humours flowed within the human body—blood, phlegm, black bile, and choler—determining a person's health, mood, and character. Not until the seventeenth century would a more complex view of the anatomy begin to emerge. But by then humoural theory had already become deeply ingrained in Western language and thought—and endures to this day in surprising ways.

Interweaving the histories of medicine, science, psychology, and philosophy, Passions and Tempers explores the uncanny persistence of these variable, invisible fluids. It will change how we view our physical, mental, and emotional selves.

About this title

Product Description:

Arikha intertwines the histories of medicine, science, psychology, and philosophy in this 2,500-year journey that explores the origins of humours in ancient Greece to the present day.

Review:

“...this persistent [humoural] theory...has much to teach us...” (New York Sun)

“Passions and Tempers may excite the passions and tempers...as a good work of intellectual history should.” (Washington Post)

“...a stimulating work that shows the Western mind nobly grappling with the inscrutable nature of the human body.” (Publishers Weekly)

“To Arikha’s immense credit, she provides a thoroughly documented account...” (New York Times Book Review)

“...a fine job...” (New York Times Book Review)

“Fascinating...[Passions and Tempers] challenges us to consider the value, and the meaning, of a discredited theory.” (Salon.com)

About this edition

• Publisher: Ecco
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0060731176
• ISBN 13: 9780060731175
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400