Understanding the Four Humours in Medieval Medicine
About This Worksheet
A reading comprehension worksheet exploring the concept of the Four Humours and their role in medieval medicine.
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Understanding the Four Humours in Medieval Medicine
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Introduction to the Four Humours
In medieval medicine, the theory of the Four Humours was central to understanding health and disease. It was believed that the body contained four fluids or 'humours': blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. These humours were thought to correspond to the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth. Maintaining the balance of these humours was considered essential for good health.
Source A: Medieval Medical Text
'A person’s health depends on the balance of the four humours. If one humour is too dominant, it causes illness. To restore health, physicians aimed to restore this balance.'
Historian View:
'The Four Humours theory was a way for medieval people to explain why people became ill and how to treat them.'
Question 1
Explain what the Four Humours are and how they were believed to affect health in medieval times. (4 marks)
Question 2
Compare medieval beliefs about the Four Humours with modern understanding of health. (6 marks)
Question 3
Outline how the theory of the Four Humours influenced medieval treatment practices. (4 marks)
Question 4
Analyse the limitations of the Four Humours theory as a medical explanation. (6 marks)
Question 5
Compare how the Four Humours influenced medical practice with how medicine is practiced today. (6 marks)
Question 6
Write a brief summary of why the Four Humours theory was important in medieval medicine. (4 marks)
Question 7
Explain how beliefs about the Four Humours affected people's attitudes towards health and medicine in medieval society. (6 marks)
Question 8
Compare the role of physicians in medieval times with their role today. (6 marks)
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet