Gioia e tristezza nella tradizione galenica (circa 1275-1525)

Between the later thirteenth and the early sixteenth century, a medical theory of emotions was common in the academic culture of Western Europe, under the influence of the writings of Galen and Avicenna. It considered the somatic – rather than psychic – side of emotions, and assigned them to the field of hygiene or preventive medicine: they were, that is, one of the factors each individual should control as influencing their humoral balance, and consequently health condition. Although different explanations were given of their causes and dynamics, the nature and direction of bodily heat was generally considered to be a decisive element. Positive connotations of joy, and negative for sadness, were also almost universal. The article explores the matter in some detail as it was treated by a Jewish physician from Catalunya – Gabriel de Tarrega – and within collections of medical consilia from Northern and Central Italy.