Demonic Theory
_ The earliest theories of disease are found among the savage races.
They interpret sickness ani death as due to the occupancy of the body
by an evil spirit or demon. Demonic theory regards disease as a super~
natural entity, not primarily as a process or condition. ;

Humoral Theory

Originated by Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, and was based
upon the theory that the body was mde up of four humors: (a) Blood,
(b) Phlegm, (c) Black bile, (d) Yellow bile. A right mixture and pro-
portion of these constituted health; improper proportion and irregular
distribution, disease. .

Medieval Theories

 

With the development of cnatomy and physiology, there arose two
theories of importance: (a) mechanical causes of disease, and (b}
chemical causes for disease.

Germ The ory

The foundation for this theory was laid when it was proven that al-
coholic fermentation was caused by a living plmt {yeast).

‘The germ theory was firmly established by the work of Louis Pasteur on
wine, silk worms and anthrax.. The studies ani demonstrations of Pasteur
stirred the entire scientific world ami led to the extension of the germ
theory to the problem of human disease. It led to the birth of the pre-
sent day science of bacteriology.

References: Sedgwick, W. T.--Principles of Sanitary Science and
Public Health, Chapters 1-4..
Rice, T. B.--Conquest of Disease, Chapter 1.
Binder=-Health and Social Progress.
Bossard——Problems of Socicl Well-Being, Chapter 7.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

 

1. What is your own definition of good health?
2. Give your own conception of disease.

3. What would you consider the most important objective sign of
health? Why? Subjective sign of health? Why?

4, Why have the theories of disease controlled the progress of
health work?

5. Do you recognize any survivals of ancient theories of disease
in the medical terms or superstitions of today?

6. Which one of the theories of disease is the basis for present
day defensive hygiene measures?