Galenism

/ˈɡælenɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The medical theory and practice based on Galen's teachings, emphasizing the balance of four humors and natural plant remedies.

Etymology

From 'Galen' plus '-ism' meaning 'a system or doctrine.' Galenism became a dominant medical philosophy, institutionalized in universities and medical schools across Europe and the Islamic world.

Kelly Says

For 1,500 years, Galenism was the 'software' running in doctors' heads—even brilliant physicians couldn't diagnose correctly because they were working with Galen's outdated operating system!

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