Temperament

A term vaguely applied to the predominance of one group or order of constitutional functions over others in an individual. The various divisions of temperament were based on the former doctrine of the four humors of the body blood, bile, and atrabilis or black bile; the predominance of any one resulting respectively in a sanguine, lymphatic, bilious, or melancholic temperament. Although the doctrine of the temperaments has long since lost its significance, it is generally admitted that an individual may have a predisposition to types of mental action not improperly cla ed as nervous, phlegmatic, lymphatic, etc. T., Bilious, that marked by a predominance of bile; persons of this type having sallow complexions, dark hair, sluggish circulations. They have great firmne and endurance. T., Lymphatic, that characterized by fair complexion, light hair, flabby muscles, slight force of character, and slightly developed pa ions. T., Nervous, that characterized by great activity and sensitivene of the nervous system. T., Sanguineous, that characterized by fair or ruddy complexion, rapid pulse, a hopeful disposition, and strong pa ions.