A traditional theory of physiology in which the state of health--and by extension the state of mind, or character--depended upon a balance among the four elemental fluids: blood, yellow bile, phlegm, and black bile. These were closely allied with the four elements (air, fire, water, and earth). The Humours gave off vapors which ascended to the brain; an individual's personal characteristics (physical, mental, moral) were explained by his or her temperament. The perfect temperament resulted when no one humour dominated.

Phlegmatic: Phlegm, Water, Cold & Moist, Dull (also Pale & Cowardly)
Sanguine: Blood, Air, Hot & Moist, Amorous (also Happy & Generous)
Choleric: Yellow Bile, Fire, Hot & Dry, Violent (also Vengeful)
Melancholy: Black Bile, Earth, Cold & Dry, Gluttonous (also Lazy & Sentimental)

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