This text by Ioannis Zacharias Actuarius is one of the most challenging yet fascinating writings that one could study when dealing with ancient and Byzantine literature.
It tackles general issues related to ancient medicine as well as ancient philosophical theory. It intertwines medical theories concerning humors, the functions of the human body, the properties of various foods, his unique medical knowledge regarding human pathology, with philosophical Neoplatonic views, and, most importantly, with the theory related to the innate spirit that resides within us, which had a significant tradition both within the realm of ancient medical science and philosophy.
It refers to the distinction of the spirit into individual spirits that are created in different organs of the body and where they reside (the natural spirit, which is produced within the liver, the vital spirit, which is formed within the heart, and finally, the psychic spirit, which is created in the brain).
It discusses the actions performed by each of these three main spirits (the natural, which governs growth and reproduction, the vital, which controls the functions of emotion, and the psychic, which oversees mental functions) and defines how, by following his advice, one can modify the performance of each.
It also adds information regarding specific diets and the medical treatments that should be followed in order to maintain each individual's health and strengthen the particular spirit they wish to enhance within themselves. Finally, his dietary suggestions deserve thorough study by each of us individually, as they define what would suit each type of person in order to better carry out their unique responsibilities.
Number of pages
252
Cover
Soft
Year of publication
2022
Publisher
Grigori
14 Coins
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