Humor
in anatomy, etc., a liquid, a fluid. See AQUEOUS HUMOR.
In mental philosophy, a mental faculty which tends to discover incongruous resemblances between things which essentially differ, or essential differences between things put forth as the same; the result being internal mirth or an outburst of laughter. Wit does so likewise, but the two are different. Humor has deep human sympathy, and loves men while raising a laugh against their weaknesses. Wit is deficient in sympathy, and there is often a sting in its ridicule. Somewhat contemptuous of mankind, it has not the patience to study them thoroughly, but must content itself with noting superficial resemblances or differences. Humor is patient and keenly observant, and penetrates beneath the surface; while, therefore, the sallies of wit are often one-sided and unfair, those of humor are, as a rule, just and wise.