Galen and his Legacy concerning Humoral Theory and Diet: De subtiliante dieta

Abstract

Through this paper, we want to analyze the evolution of Ancient Hippocratic philosophy regarding the humoral theory (the medical concept humorism or humoralism) synthesized by Galen and spread through space and time because of his writings. Starting from Galen's work, De Subtiliante Diaeta, we will try to see how the diet, especially one rich in liquids, modifies the ratio between the four constituent elements of the organism and therefore influences the individual`s relationship with their water and food supply needed for proper bodily functions.In drawing up this analysis we will pursue both a historiographical approach, regarding Galen's theory, as well as a systematic approach to the primary source. The relationship a man has with the water he drinks or extracts from the consumed food is approached by all written cultures, from the beginning of history to the present day, water being the main necessary element of survival. As many of the Ancient, Medieval and Pre-Modern conceptions have their root in the humoral theories of Hippocrates and Galen, the issue becomes even more relevant as drinking water was not easily accessible (compared to the Contemporary period in developed countries), and water-rich foods provided a great supply of liquids.