Metamorphoses of the Spleen: A Lexical and Cultural Journey in Romania

Abstract

This research aims to explore the evolution of terminology related to the spleen and black bile in Romanian, tracing its origins from ancient Hippocratic writings. The study specifically examines the evolution and various connotations of Romanian terms describing the spleen, extending its analysis to encompass its influence on lexicology, medicine, psychology, and literature throughout history. This research navigates the intricate pathways of melancholy, hypochondria, and the literary expressions of the spleen, weaving them together into a coherent narrative. Furthermore, it delves into their linguistic history over the centuries, identifying significant resonances in the evolution of the Romanian language and culture. The evolution of lexical and semantic transformations is closely intertwined with the development of humoral theories, notably black bile, spanning from ancient Greek and Latin times through the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic eras. Starting from the theory of black bile and its associated organ, the spleen, to the various derived meanings of melancholy and hypochondria, the Romanian cultural landscape has undergone transformations influenced by these concepts, shaping the terminology as we recognise it today. Through a meticulous exploration of these intricate connections, this study seeks to unveil the historical, cultural, and semantic transformations associated with the term splină and its related semantic fields in Romania.