You are here:

Biology/black bile

Advertisement

Expert: John Locke - 8/14/2007


Question
Dear Christen,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_bile mentions “black bile”. Although the theory of the humours has long been refuted, presumable “black bile” does refer to some kind of bodily secretion – which one or ones might it be, please?

All the best,

Simon

Answer
I'll take a shot at this, Simon. While I cannot offer an exact answer (there is no indication that "black bile" referred to a specific, known bodily fluid while the humoral theory was in vogue), the excess of black bile was supposed to be associated with melancholia. The condition that resembles melancholia most closely is clinical depression; presumably, you could associate an excess of black bile with the bodily substances that, in excess, cause depression. No such substances exist exactly, though long-term excesses of stress hormones (like corticoid hormones, adrenaline, corticotropin, etc.) often result from depression. Make of that what you will--humoral theory, as you know, persisted for a long time with no evidence of efficacy.

Biology

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John Locke

Expertise

I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo

Experience

I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.

Education/Credentials
BS Bioengineering, Penn State University MCAT/DAT/OAT Instructor

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.