Proponents of this theory declare that man is comprised of four temperaments, each having its own special characteristic. A brief review and evaluation of the theory follows. The ancient Greeks were deeply involved in the study of medicine and the human body. This, of course, was before any knowledge of germs and their relation to disease. His theory was that a man's physical health is determined by the balance of these four fluids.
Illness is a result of their imbalance.
It was believed that during certain seasons of the year fluid imbalance occurred. Although this general theory survived until the present century, it is obviously complete medical folly and has long-since been outdated. Roman Influence Galen of Pergamum 2nd Century AD was a Roman physician who had a large medical practice in Rome. His reputation was renown. His services were even provided to three Roman Emperors.