Galen: Works on Human Nature: Volume 1, Mixtures (De Temperamentis)

This essential text explores Galen's theories on bodily mixtures and the ideal 'well-tempered' person, providing insights into ancient medical philosophy.

In Galen: Works on Human Nature: Volume 1, Mixtures (De Temperamentis), the renowned Graeco-Roman physician Galen presents his influential theory regarding the 'mixtures' that constitute the human body. He introduces the concept of the 'well-tempered' individual, whose ideal balance of bodily elements leads to optimal physical and psychological performance. This work is a significant contribution to the historical understanding of the human organism and its functions.

The text delves into Galen's typology of human beings, categorizing them into nine distinct mixtures or 'temperaments' based on the qualities of hot, cold, dry, and wet. This classification is crucial for understanding his views on health and wellness. Furthermore, Mixtures serves as a practical guide for aspiring physicians, emphasizing the importance of assessing a patient's unique mixture through refined diagnostic techniques and the sense of touch. It outlines a therapeutic approach that harmonizes the interactions between diet, medication, and the individual’s bodily constitution.

Beyond its medical implications, Mixtures is a work of natural philosophy that reflects Galen's engagement with the ideas of Aristotle, Hippocrates, and various schools of thought, including Stoicism and Pneumatism. This new translation includes thorough annotations, an introduction, and glossaries that illuminate Galen's arguments and situate them within their broader intellectual framework.