Madness in the Method

In Medieval medicine and throughout literature the humours are important factors.  Wikipedia defines the four humours in this way:

In traditional medicine practiced in Greco-Roman civilization and in Europe during the Middle Ages (at least until the Renaissance), humorism, or humoralism, dictated that the four humors were special fluids associated with the four basic elements of nature, that were thought to permeate the body and influence its health. An imbalance in the distribution of these fluids was thought to affect each individual’s personality. The concept was developed by ancient Greek thinkers around 400 BC and was directly linked with another popular theory of the four elements (Empedocles). Paired qualities were associated with each humour and its season. The word humour derives from the Greek χυμός, chymos (literally juice or sap, metaphorically flavor).

In Medieval times these humours were very influential in medicine and also influenced many writers when addressing characterization and personalities.  Please take the Keirsey Temperment Sorter that addresses the temperaments that correspond to these humours.  The way they relate:

Blood= Artisan           Black bile= Guardian        Yellow Bile= Idealist    Phlegm= Rationalist.  Once you have discovered your personality temperment, go to the Keirsey site to determine other famous people who have been identified with that same temperment.  Does this tell you anything about yourself?  Does this explain how you relate to others or why you relate to certain famous personalities?  Use this post to explain your feelings on this.  Taking the quiz is essential.  It may take a few minutes.  When you register, you can put your first name and a “creative” email address.  You do not have to divulge any personal information.  Have fun and tell us about it.

You cannot ignore it.  The semester exam is looming and eventually you will get some study material to help you prepare.  The question is always difficult for me, “What have I taught in the semester that is worthy of being on the semester exam?”  The longer I have taught, the more this question plagues me.  Unfortunately, the objectives that I seek to reach through a unit, project, or set of notes; are not always what you- the student- absorb.  Now I go to the source.  So the question is this:

If you were creating the semester exam, what do you think should be the major parts covered on the test.  Remember, your dreams of “nothing” or “these three items…” are not realistic and do not count as a valid answer.  Think back, look at your notebook, reflect on what you think you have learned- List or put in outline form the major components that you feel are exam-worthy.  You may just help create the material for the exam!