Atrabilin, also known as atrabiliary or black bile, is a substance derived from the liver and spleen that was historically believed to be one of the four fundamental bodily humors, joining blood, yellow bile, and phlegm. This concept of bodily humors, dating back to ancient Greek medicine, was believed to influence a person's temperament and health. Atrabilin was associated with the melancholic temperament, which was believed to be characterized by sadness, pessimism, and an inclination towards depression.
In the context of medicine, atrabilin was thought to be the cause of melancholia and other related mental disorders. It was believed that an excess of atrabilin in the body led to an imbalance of the humors, resulting in psychological and physical ailments. This understanding of atrabilin has been largely disproven by modern medical knowledge.
The term "atrabilin" is derived from the Latin word "atra" meaning black and "bilis" meaning bile. It refers to the dark, viscous substance that was believed to be produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It was thought to be associated with the black color due to its supposed connection with melancholia and its perception as a somber, melancholic humor.
In contemporary usage, "atrabilin" is rarely used within medical or scientific contexts, having been replaced by more accurate understandings of bodily functions and mental health. However, it is still occasionally encountered in historical or literary discussions referring to the antiquated concept of bodily humors and the understanding of the human body prevalent in ancient times.
