ABSTRACT

Galen, the personal physician of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, wrote what was long regarded as the definitive guide to a healthy diet, and profoundly influenced medical thought for centuries. Based on his theory of the four humours, these works describe the effects on health of a vast range of foods including lettuce, lard, peaches and hyacinths.
This book makes all his texts on food available in English for the first time, and provides many captivating insights into the ancient understanding of food and health.

chapter 1|13 pages

INTRODUCTION

chapter 2|5 pages

ON THE HUMOURS

chapter 3|18 pages

ON BLACK BILE

chapter 4|9 pages

ON UNEVEN BAD TEMPERAMENT

chapter 5|16 pages

ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE

chapter 6|6 pages

ON BARLEY SOUP

chapter 7|41 pages

ON THE POWERS OF FOODS

Book 1

chapter 8|45 pages

ON THE POWERS OF FOODS

Book 2

chapter 9|37 pages

ON THE POWERS OF FOODS

Book 3