The Temperments

THE
FOUR
TEMPERAMENTS

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 The Temperments

THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS

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 The Temperments

THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS

We are all aware that there are many differences and similarities be-
tween people. This gives birth to many important questions. Are the simi-
larities and the differences such as to allow a classification of humans into a
limited set of human types? Or, are they such, so that each person is a class
unto him/her self?

It must be noted, first of all, that science by its very definition is based
on the fact that however different things may appear to be, these differences
are only superficial. And that the deeper one goes, not only does one find
these things to be alike but at some point they are found to be one in sub-
stance and being. This is not to say that the element of difference is incon-
sequential. Far from being so, it plays as important a role in the shaping of
events as does the element of unification. This fact has eluded most scholars
for ages. While, on one hand, would-be spiritual masters emphasize the ele-
ment of unity, on the other, contemporary scholars emphasize the element
of differentiation, both oblivious to the fact that these are interdependent
complementaries without which the whole cannot be truly comprehended.

Here is where the Kabala makes its greatest contribution, for its main
Doctrine-Of Equilibrium concerns itself with tracing the specific ways in
which the unity and the multiple are related in structure and function.

As a matter of fact, that is the very objective of science. But as will be

seen, in Western culture the fact has not been sharply defined, hence,
inconsistently applied. For example we find that while the species of the Min-
eral, Vegetable, and Animal Kingdoms are elaborately classified, it is not so
with the Human. The cause is basically a lack of appreciation of the function
of classification in science, for the classification of human types was
successfully begun, but not fully developed.
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 The Temperments
The knowledge of the classes of human types was introduced to the
West by the Kemetians (who had thoroughly worked out the system). They
classed all humans into four types, which in Western culture has come to be
known as the four temperaments. The term temperament was chosen be-
cause it is linked semantically to temperature, and temporal. This is most
ingenious, as the four temperaments are the result of differences in the am-
plitude of each of the four modes of energies originating in the cyclical (the
temporal factor) activity of the one underlying energy.

As there is a chemical basis to the cyclical fluctuation of bodily tem-

perature (noradrenaline, etc.) the Greeks, correctly stated that there are hu-
mors (chemical substances-and contemporary physiologists laugh at them)
produced in the human body, which according to their rate of production
are responsible for the four types of people. They were most definitely on the
right track, but erred in their identification of these humors.

It is unfortunate to note that although the data on the temperaments

received by the Greeks was more than sufficient for evolving a perfect way
of living which is unquestionably the only preventive medicine- as well
as a perfect therapeutic system, they failed to put it to such uses. This was
due to their mis-comprehension of the uses of the horoscope. The concept
of the four temperaments has always been taught in connection with As-
trology (the technology of the cyclical fluctuation of energies). The Greeks
never learned, though, how to accurately identify people temperamentally,
and their efforts in this direction was undauntedly casted towards the birth
chart practice.

This was their undoing. It must be noted that the totemic classification
of people by non-Western cultures relates to the same practice of tempera-
mental classification. And an obvious fact is that they have worked out the
system so thoroughly that totemism (note the semantic unit tem) plays a
major role in the shaping of customs, healing practices, government, etc.

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THE ENERGY BASIS OF THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS

The term temperament was chosen to represent the classes of human

types, because of its semantical link to temperature and temporality, as
these are the underlying factors shaping the human types. It was shown that
bodily temperature fluctuates cyclically, setting up a corresponding cyclical
fluctuation in our bodies abilities. It was shown that the vehicles of the two
modes of temperature are the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic divi-
sions of the autonomous nervous system.

It is generally agreed upon that the equilibrium between these two di-
visions must exist for there to be health. It must be observed however, that
what we call health, and normal in most people is not the result of the per-
fect equilibrium between these two divisions. What actually exists in most
healthy people is a state of tolerable dis-equilibrium.

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 The Temperments
While in some people the sympathetic is more active than the
parasympathetic, in others the opposite is the case. Therefore some people
can be classified as hot, and others as cold.

By combining these two factors with the water regulation mechanism

of the body we arrive at the four types;

two hot (the hot and dry, and the hot and moist),
and two cold (the cold and moist, and the cold and dry).

Postponing our attention to details, the above can be paraphrased,

briefly, as: two types of extroverted and very energetic (physically) people-
one lean (hot/dry) and the other well-built (hot/moist) and two types of
introverted, and physically unenergetic people-one lean (cold/dry) , and the
other well-built (cold/moist).

In the Taoist system (Chinese metaphysics) these are referred to as the Yang-
empty, Yang-full, Yin-empty, and the Yin-full, respectively. Although these
temperamental differences apply to all groups of people, each temperament
will be seen to predominate in each sex, age group, racial type, etc. Inciden-
tally, the failure to comprehend this fact relating to human differences is one
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 The Temperments
of the major causes of disharmonies between people, on all levels.

As the preceding correspondences are too simplified to be of much use,

lets take a more in-depth view of the subject. Today, any study of personal-
ity that ignores the distribution of character and cognitive traits between the
two hemispheres of the cerebrum is of little value. It is of great importance
to note that while contemporary scientist are just beginning to learn about
the distribution of traits between the right and left hemispheres of the ce-
rebrum, in the Ancient wisdom we find, not only the full knowledge of the
functioning of each of these hemispheres, but in addition, how to stimulate
them to full activity, and equilibrate their functioning (in the unperfected
human one functions at a higher capacity then the other, although neither
functions to full capacity, hence imperfect judgements, etc.).

In the ancient records, we find that the brain has two major divisions.
These are: 1. the CentraI, and 2. the lateral division. The central is subdivid-
ed into the upper concealed portion (the pineal gland), the frontal portion
(the forehead), and the lower-back portion (the brain stem, hypothalamus,
and cerebellum).

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 The Temperments

The lateral division corresponds to the right and left hemispheres of

the cerebrum. The knowledge of the functioning and manipulation of these
structures is fully concealed in the Kabalistical Tree Of Life (see image be-
low). The functions of the Central division is to equilibrate the activities of
the two hemispheres, and to determine the quality of the two hemispheres,
and to determine the quality of the mental operations performed by them.

When ones pineal gland is fully operative, the right hemisphere mani-
fests Understanding. That is, the ability to perceive the underlying (the in-
ner) qualities of all things (thus, that all is one). This experience goes beyond
intellectualism. It is actually felt. The fully operating pineal gland effects in
the left hemisphere Wisdom (the ability to intuitively discern the laws of
relativity and reciprocity in all things). The reader must take note that this is
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 The Temperments
but a simplification of the subject, in deference to our central point.

The middle portion which corresponds to the forehead is the center of

mental perception (insight), and reason (rationality,- i.e. the sense of pro-
portion stemming from circumspection (weighing of issues based on
analysis, vs concrete imagery, and synthesis vs attention to details). On the
Tree of Life, this faculty corresponds to Tipereth, the sixth sphere, which has
as one of its correspondences beauty. Its explanation can be readily found
in the fact that, beauty to the ancient philosophers was the expression of well
proportioned things and events.

Of course, this definition is to be found in the thinking of people today, but

the issue is clouded by the erroneous acceptance as one of its denotations,
that which gives delight to the senses. And do we not say that the irrational
is one who has lost his/her sense of proportion?

When the Ratzon (as the Caldeans called the forehead) is fully operative
it effects in the right side of the cerebrum, Righteousness, morality, mercy,
and synthesis (the ability to extract the underlying principle of a thing and
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 The Temperments
to unite it with other members of the same generic principle). In the left side
of the cerebrum it effects the sense of justice (justness), and Analysis (the
ability to derive specifics from general principles).

I said when the portion of the brain corresponding to the forehead is

fully operative, because in the majority of people it is not. This could have
been inferred from the fact that the related functions, are grossly lacking in
the majority of people. It is important to note that the degree of functioning
of the forehead portion of the brain bears a direct relation to ones state of
physical wakefulness. In time scientist will come to realize that it also relates
in the same manner to ones psychical wakefulness. It is because of this fact
that the spiritually unen-light-ened is depicted with closed eyes; the why of
such sayings as, to be awakened, etc.

When the mental life of the person is dominated by the lower-back

portion of the brain, as is the case today with most people, sensuality and
emotionality play major roles in shaping their thoughts, and motivating
their actions. This portion of the Tree Of Life, - the 9th Sphere- corresponds
to the brain stem, and the hypothalamus, which are known to scientists to
be the brain centers of sensualism (pain and pleasure). Another correspon-
dence to Yesod , the 9th sphere, is Equilibrium in motion which refers to
the cerebellum which is in charge of maintaining the physical equilibrium of
the body, which is upset by each and every motion by any part of the body. If
the cerebellum faltered in its activity, the mere raising of a hand would cause
one to fall.

In Kabalistical literature, Yesod is also referred to as the Foundation.

Physiologically speaking this makes reference to the brain stem which is the
base upon which the brain rests! There are many other physiological corre-
spondences of great importance. These will be dealt with at the appropriate
time.

The lower back cerebral portion (or for lack of the higher functions)
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 The Temperments
effects in the right hemisphere the sense for representing thoughts through
symbolic imagery, and their harmonious coordination (so called artistic abil-
ity). In the left side, it effects segregative thinking (i.e. attention to details).
In studying the preceding diagram the reader will have noticed that a cross-
ing took place.

The right side of the brain was corelated with the 3rd, 4th, and 7th
spheres, and the left side, to the 2nd, 5th and 8th spheres. In many tradi-
tional depictions of the Tree Of Life, the 3rd sphere has been allocated to the
right side of the head, the 4th to the left shoulder, and the 7th to the left thigh
of the human body.

The 2nd sphere is allocated to the left side of the head, the 5th to the right
shoulder, and the 8th to the right thigh. In other words, by corelating the
right side of the head to the left side of the body and vice versa, the Kabalists
symbolized the fact that the right side of the brain controls the left side of the
body and vice versa.

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 The Temperments
This inverse relation is further indicated by the arrangement of the 4th,
5th, and 6th spheres, and the 7th, 8th, and 9th, to form triangles in an in-
verse position to the one formed by the 1st, 2nd. and 3rd spheres.

The Ancient Kemetians embodied the same knowledge in the caduceus

(which, as initiates know is the Kemet Tree of Life). In the above figure, the
winged globe corresponds to the head (the abode of the metaphysical part of
man, hence volatile), and the serpents, to the physical body. The serpents are
entwined to symbolize the cross relation between the sides of the head with
their coresponding sides (opposite) of the body.

THE CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES

Before embarking on an investigation of the cerebral hemispheres, the

reader should become thoroughly familiar with the preceding data regard-
ing the Central Division, and must always keep in mind that the develop-
ment of its corresponding faculties determine the level of functioning of the
cerebral hemispheres (intellectually and spiritually).
According to the Kabalistical philosophy, the Left Hemisphere is
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severe and inflexible (rigor), while the right side is Mild and flexible. These
terms when applied to the functions of their corresponding spheres 2, 5 and
8, and 3, 4, and 7 respectively) reveal that they correspond, in contempo-
rary thinking, to Deduction, and literal interpretation (the left side of the
brain), and induction and imaginativeness (the right side). In other words,
arriving at the knowledge of a particular from its corresponding general rule
(deduction) is processed by the left side of the brain. When we perceive an
object, and its proper name reflects itself into our sphere of awareness, in-
stead of the name of another object which may be suggested by the observed
objects shape, mode of activity, etc., we are functioning then, predominately
through the left side of the brain.

For example, Black people who on a whole function predominate-

ly through the right side of the brain, have juxtaposed upon the English lan-
guage an imposing set of metaphoric substitutions. People are named based
on the images their behavior invoke. They are, accordingly, cats,
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Super-flies, Foxes. Expensive cars are hogs. Sportswear (a left side la-
bel) becomes Vines, because you Swing (not have a good time) in them.
It is this, the right side of the brain that is responsible for what Blacks call
Soul. It does not add an inflexible amount of cinnamon (eg. 1 teaspoon),
but what the Vibes of the moment dictate.

The right side of the brain is also involved in processing the logical
function of induction, the arrival at the knowledge of the principle underly-
ing a set of particulars. It is to be observed that while the left side of the brain,
which some readers may have already detected, predominates in Westerners,
is segregative, and analytical (separative), the right side is unifying (congre-
gative and synthetical). We find, for example, that in Africa and many non-
Western cultures the separation between Religion, technology, government,
etc. is unthinkable. This as we know is the rule in the West.

Skeptics should take note that the predominance of the left side of the
brain in Western culture is well-known and openly admitted by Western
psychologists. Before we proceed any further we must take note, that nei-
ther brain hemisphere is the ideal vehicle of function. In time students of
Spiritual culture will come to realize, after they have transcended the inspi-
rational stage of vague platitudes, that all the alchemical mystical weddings,
yogas (unions), travelling of the middle path (between the two extremes) are
symbolic references to the union of the two hemispheres of the brain (with
their attendant metaphysical events). It cannot be between Man and God for
the two can never cease to be but One.

This is to say that the major objective, both from the Evolutionary and
Health perspectives is the raising of each hemisphere to full functioning
and equalizing them within our being. Presently, most people generally ap-
proach most situations through their dominant hemisphere, whether it is
adequate or not.

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While contemporary Western Scientists, who generally fail to go
beyond the notation of sense data, have accepted this as evidence of the
individualization of people, the Ancient sages knew that this is merely a
stage in the evolutionary process.

Let us now take a detailed look at the basic qualities of the functions of
the two hemispheres as documented (though concealed in symbols) in the
ancient wisdom, - especially the Kabala.

la. The left side of the brain is Severe This makes reference, as noted al-
ready, to its strictness, or literal mode of interpretation and expression. This
rigidity, or inflexibiIty is the required mode of thinking for the applied sci-
ences (technology). In the language of Astrology, severity correspond to
dryness (a quality of earth and fire!) . It is the source of our dry and pe-
dantic. We will later see that in the Fiery and Earthy personalities (tempera-
ments), the left side of the brain dominates.

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 The Temperments

The right side of the brain is Mild. Mildness relates to imaginative-

ness and spatial phonetic symbols which are the effective factors behind in-
duction and synthesis. Because these modes of thinking do not focus on de-
tails which are the restrictive elements in thought processes, flexibility, and
at its worst, oversimplification occur.

As it is well-known to psychologists it is the artistic side of the brain. But

unknown to them, it is the chief faculty for scientific theorizing.

2a. In the left hemisphere, perception of the whole is expressed tem-

porally (in sequence), while in the right it occurs spatially (all at once). The
reason for this lies in the fact that the orientation of the left side is towards
the comprehension of parts of a whole (species, pieces), which it express-
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es through phonems (aural thoughts). The right side, on the other hand, is
more oriented to the perception of wholes, which it expresses through im-
ages (visual thoughts) on the level of species (so-called concrete), and spatial
phonems on the level of genres.

THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS

In keeping with the premise underlying this work there are two basic
factors shaping the temperaments. These are in turn subdivided into two to
yield the personality tetragrammatic classification sets.

The two basic sets are the Dry (lean, and moist (fleshy). The dry-
ness arises from a high flow of blood to the head at the expense of the rest of
the body. Its well-known that excessive brain work results in loss of weight
and general exhaustion (much more so than muscular exertion) . Moist peo-
ple are those in whom there is a proportionately higher flow of blood to
parts of the body other than the head.

Hence, their fleshy appearance. In these two sets, as observed, we fur-

ther distinguish two subdivisions. These are based on varying levels of oxi-
dation. The hot correspond to the higher levels, and the cold to the lower.
This gives us our four basic temperaments . the hot and dry (fiery), the cold
and dry (earthy), the hot and moist (airy), and cold and moist (watery).

THE DRY TEMPERAMENTS (FIERY AND EARTHY)

The Fiery, Or Choleric Temperament

Basic Qualities
1. Hot and Dry:
a) Hot refers to the high level of oxidation (sympathet-
ic output) that characterizes these people.
Dry refers to the high blood flow to the head at the
expense of the body (which is in consequence lean. )
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 The Temperments
The parasympathetic function in them is lower than the sympathetic
They tend to function predominantly through the left hemisphere of the
brain.
Effects of heat and dryness upon the physical appearance:

In appearance they are powerfully built (heat effect),

and lean and wiry (dry).
They are powerful (heat), but lacking in endurance
(dry; i.e. lacking in moisture,-reserves).

In addition they rapidly burn up what little reserves

they have. In their movements and mannerisms they
are energetic and firey.

Effects of heat and dryness upon the pyschical traits:

Their psychical traits are readily classified under the same sets (hot and dry),
in keeping with that most ancient axion of great renown, As Above, So Be-
low; or according to Paracelsus, If you wish to know the inner qualities
of a thing, look to its outer, as all appearances are signatures of their corre-
sponding inner qualities. A major observation of the ancients is that both
the physical and psychical traits are generated by a persons energy organiza-
tion. One can therefore learn about a persons psychical make-up from his/
her physical qualities. Intellectual skills generated by Heat:

The high levels of heat generated in these people render them adept at
analysis. They are also good at details (their dominant mental function)
although they are outperformed in the latter by the earthy (cold and dry).
The reason will be found in the fact that their head drives them away from
staying still, or at one thing for too long.

Emotional qualities generated by heat:

It renders them impatient, strongly excitable, forceful, quick and snapy

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 The Temperments
witted, resolute in the decision making process and actions, competitive,
outspoken, frank (in actuality the heat speeds up the thought-action se-
quence leaving them little time for reflection), impulsive, and prefer (are
driven) to bring conflicts to a quick resolution,- unhesitant of using force if
necessary.

Intellectual qualities generated by dryness. Psychically their dryness

corresponds to their sober, pedantic, by the book, strict interpretive mode of
thinking. i.e. relatively unimaginative and inflexible.

Emotional qualities generated by dryness:

It reduces their capacity for sympathy for others, as well as themselves.

This makes them excellent in situations requiring the execution of punitive
judgements.

In illness they are more susceptible to the socalled acute diseases, and
those arising from excess heat (high blood pressure, bronchitis, etc).
in old age due to incorrect living and mishandling of illnesses they become
earthy (cold and dry) and succumb to degenerative chronic (earthy) ail-
ments.

It must be noted that these character traits are often modified, or masked
by social inhibiting influences, deep seated psychical (chemical) im-
balances (due to drug abuse for example ,-marihuana, alcohol, etc.).

THE EARTHY, OR MELANCHOLIC TEMPERAMENT

Basic Qualities
1. Cold and Dry:
By cold is meant that the level of oxidation is rela-
tively low. Their dryness, as with the fiery tempera-
ment, is the result of a high blood flow to the head at
the expense of the rest of the body.
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 The Temperments

These two qualities are the result of relatively low sympathetic and para-
sympathetic activity. In them the left side ot the brain predominates.

Effects of cold and dryness upon physical traits.

They are lean (dry), and of sparse musculature (effect of cold,-low oxidation
rate in parts other than the head).

They are lacking in power (cold) and endurance

(dryness), although, due to their cerebro-tonicity they may will themselves
to activity far beyond their physical capacity. This is equally true for the fiery
type.

Their bodily movements are mid-way between energetic and lethargic.

On a scale of four, they rank 3rd in speed, - fiery are 1st; airy, 2nd; and
watery, 4th.

Psychical traits correspondent to the cold and dry:

The comprehension of the factors shaping their in-

tellectual qualities depends on careful thinking.

While the oxidation in their heads is relatively

high (due to the high blood flow), it is low in the re-
maining parts. As cerebral heat tends to narrow the
sphere of awareness, they are adept at details (which
requires a sharply focused awareness, ie. contracted),
and analysis. Their rate of cerebral oxidation, which
is moderate compared to that of the fiery type, com-
bined with their tendency towards physical inactivity
make them capable of sitting and working for great
lengths of time at tedious (not to them) detailed work (research, etc.).
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 The Temperments

Intellectual qualities generated by their dryness:

These are the same as the firey-side.

Emotional qualities generated by the cold:

It renders them patient, slow in deciding, on a whole prefering to be

alone, melancholic, pessimistic, slow in forgetting and forgiving , given to
mulling over events, plans, etc. Emotional qualities generated by the dry:

In many ways they are like the fiery, excepting their dispassion. They
lack the catabolic fire required to generate the levels of passions experienced
by the hot types (fiery and airy).

In illness they are more susceptible to the so called chronic illnesses.

Their comparatively low sympathetic activity results in deficient

perspiration. The retained waste becomes the precursor of rheumatic, and
arthritic ailments. They are often besieged by depression (melancholy). In-
cidentally, chronic ailments, which are none other than drawn out efforts of
the body to rid itself of toxins, are to the physical body what the depressive
mulling over of unpleasant events are to the psyche of cold people. They
are both manifestations of low oxidation.

THE WATERY, OR PHLEGMATIC TEMPERAMENT

Basic Qualities:
1. Cold and Moist
The correspondences of Cold have been not-
ed. Moisture refers to the accumulation of
flesh, water, and fat throughout the body as a
result of deficient oxidation.
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 The Temperments

The parasympathetic function in them is rather high, while the sym-

pathetic is poor. They tend to function predominantly through the right
hemisphere of the brain. We have already noted the effects of cold upon
the physical make-up.

In them the moisture, because of the cold (low oxidation rate), mani-
fests more as fatty tissues, and water accumulation. In appearance they range
from the very small but rounded figure to obese.

In reference to their action capacity, they are comparatively weak (cold),

but of great endurance.

The latter is usually unknown to them and their acquaintances, because

although their moisture (reserves) capacitate them for activities requiring
endurance, their lack of fire which is the energy basis of the will, makes them
quick quitters in the face of difficulty. Needless to say that due to their !lack
of strength, they are best at tasks that do not require power, - though they
may be of long duration. In their movements they are slow and lacking in
firmness.

Effects of cold and moisture upon the psychical traits:

We have already noted the intellectual traits generated by the cold,-vide.

Intellectual traits generated by moisture:

We have here one of the most complex and important set of correspon-
dences. Without water the earth cannot produce; fertility in the female (to a
lesser extent in males) bears a direct ratio to body fat content (moisture); we
speak of fertile imagination,- these are all integrally related to each other.
I.e. with the increase of body moisture (water, fat) comes an increase in right
brain function, -imaginativeness and dependent functions; memory and in-
duction. They are also quite good at synthesis, and art.
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 The Temperments

Emotional qualities generated by cold:

These have been noted.

Emotional qualities generated by moisture:

The unifying effect of images (a picture is worth a thousand ,-the Chi-

nese say four thousand words) , render them very sociable, Concreative, and
a source of harmony to others. The cold united to the moist makes them easy
going, and preferring peace to strife at the expense of what is right.
They have a high capacity for sympathy and forgiveness. They are more apt
to plan than to carry out the action (as with the earthy).

In illness, like the earthy they. are more vulnerable to the so-called
chronic ailments. They differ from the earthy in that their circulation is more
taxed (extra tissues), on top of being sluggish to start with. This results in
excess accumulation of waste in the lymphatic channels, resulting in a host
of chronic blood disorders; eczema, herpes, etc.

THE AIRY, OR SANGUINE TEMPERAMENT

Airy Qualities:
Hot and moist.
Physical qualities generated by heat and moisture:
Theyre well built,-muscular- (moist), and
full of power. They are, in addition to being pow-
erful, full of stamina and endurance (barring ill-
nesses).
In their movements, they are energetic and
firm. As with the earthy, careful consideration
must be given to the factors shaping the psychical
traits of the airy type.

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 The Temperments
We must recall the fact that in moist people
there is a reduced flow to the head in deference
to the rest of the body (hence the moisture). In
them, therefore, the cerebral fire is comparative-
ly low (although the remaining parts of the body
are hot). This renders them adept at synthesis,
and imaginative ac-
tivity (see the wa-
tery).

Emotionally, they
share many qualities in common with the fi-
ery, in relation to their heat, but like the watery,
they are sympathetic, very sociable, though not
as easy going (heat). Unlike the cold and moist
who in spite of being sociable is rather shy
(cold), they are very outgoing, and more often
than not are the life of the party.

In illness they are vulnerable to these afflicting the fiery. In addition

they succumb often to ailments caused be excess blood flow (sanguineous-
ness) to vital organs (liver, heart, brain, etc. )

PURPOSES OF THE TEMPERAMENTAL CLASSIFICATION

OF PEOPLE

As said, what we call temperaments (the base personality traits) are the
totemic divisions of people, wherever used. Peoples physical and psychical
make- up were seen both to be expressions of an underlying energy orga-
nizationl. Accordingly, they were imposed with a set of prohibitions and
musts which were designed to aid the person to live in harmony with his/
her dominant mode of energy. Thus health for the person, and security and
prosperity for the social group were secured. Interesting as the subject may
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 The Temperments
be I must here limit it to its direct applications to health.
Treat the patient, and not the affected part,

The importance of knowing a persons temperament, (basic energy or-

ganization) will become fully appreciable in later chapters, in which it will
be seen to be indispensable to any system of dietetics, pre- ventive medicine,
therapeutics, etc. For example, it will be shown that the majority of people
afflicted with arthritis are of the cold temperaments. As this ailment is a
result of chronic heat deficiency, then the standard medical practice of per
scribing aspirin and related chemicals to control its pain, is surely a blunder.
Aspirin kills pain by reducing the bodys heat, reinforcing thus, the cause
of the condition.

In typing people, sex and racial differences must be observed. In previ-

ous chapters we learned that the Sun and Moon are symbol s of hot and
cold, respectively. As men on a whole have a higher oxidation level than
women, the ancients drew correspondences between men and the sun, and
women and the moon.

To be more specific, and to express the same in contemporary catego-

ries, the following are found in men in greater amounts (or functions) than
in women:

Sympathetic activity, and all its dependent functions; pulse rate, blood
pressure, cardiovascular output,. striated and skeletal muscle contraction,
left hemisphere brain function,. red blood cell count, blood oxidation factor,
pituitary activity, etc.

We find as a result that men tend to die at an earlier age than women.
The real reason is to be found in the fact that they burn out at a faster rate
than the latter. This concept is substantiated by the facts that anti-oxidant
factors (vitamins C, and E) are known to extend the life of cells as well as
organisms.
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For. further details regarding differences between men and women in

respect to cerebral distribution of traits.

In respect; to races, it must be noted that in Black and most non~white

people there is more right hemisphere activity than in white people. In
Whites there. is more left hemisphere activity than in Blacks and other non-
westerners. This is to say, in other words, that in left hemisphere polarized
black people (i.e. dry), there is less left and more right side activity than in
white people.

Implied in the preceding are the most far reaching ramifications. We

can see, for example, that most of the differences between the two basic sets
of cultures :(Western and Non-Western) are the expressions of differing psy-
cho/physical organisms (and not of schools of thoughts, as Westerners be-
lieve). We can thus ex- plain on physical grounds. (the roots of the matter
are far beyond the physical realm), the source of the soul of Black people
(soul music, etc.); their CP time (colored people s time), -note that as the
left side is the vehicle of time perception (i.e. of sequential passage) and its
function is relatively low in most Blacks, they have a disregard (in the West-
ern sense) for time; this also explains the Africans I view of progress,-and
all that differentiate Western from Non-Western cultures (the latter includes
the ancient civilizations) .

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Moister

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Dryness

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