Source edition
Galen. Claudii Galeni Opera Omnia, Volume 15. Kühn, Karl Gottlob, editor. Leipzig: Knobloch, 1828.
Source data
A Digital Corpus for Graeco-Arabic Studies · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a detailed commentary by the ancient Greek physician Galen on the Hippocratic text regarding the regimen for health. The commentary begins by defining "ordinary people"—excluding athletes and soldiers—and explaining the physiological principles of maintaining health through moderation, especially during the changing seasons. Galen elaborates on the selection of food, exercise, and bathing according to the seasons, while emphasizing the need for fine-tuned adjustments based on an individual's age and four temperaments. He addresses complex medical challenges, such as the dual nature of dryness and moisture in the elderly, contrasting regimens for obese and thin individuals, and specific purification methods using emetics and enemas. Furthermore, he analyzes the effects of tissue density on digestion in athletes, and offers practical advice for women, children, and those suffering from digestive issues. Throughout the work, Galen critically examines the Hippocratic text to highlight the ultimate importance of personalized medical care tailored to each individual's unique constitution.