Paracelsus

Physician & Alchemist
Philosopher
Teacher
Writer

Europe

Born: Nov. 11 or Dec. 17, 1493, in Einsiedeln, Switzerland
Burned books of Avicenna and Galen: June 24, 1527
Died: Sept. 24, 1541 in Salzburg, Austria

"Although alchemy has now fallen into contempt, and is even considered a thing of the past, the physicain should not be influenced by such judgments. For many arts, such as astronomy, philosophy, and others, are also in disrepute."
-- Spagyrical Writings, translated by Arthur Edward Waite

More Quotations by Paracelsus

Largely self-taught and grounded in practical sciences like metallurgy, Paracelsus traveled extensively, serving as an army surgeon and developing a prestigious reputation as a physician. After his travels he taught at the University of Basel, where he was enormously popular, and where his flamboyant behavior (such as burning books and opening his classes to the genreal public) antagonized more than the faculty. He fled Basel and kept moving, and writing, until his mysterious death at the age of 48.

For more about Paracelsus, visit your Guide's Concise Biography of Paracelsus.

• Wrote a very accurate clinical description of syphilis, asserting that it could be treated with mercury compounds
• Discerned that the "miners' disease" (silicosis) was the result of inhaling metal vapors
• Was the first to state that "what makes a man ill also cures him"
• Was the first to connect goiter with minerals in drinking water
• Understood and expounded the importance of dosage size
• Made strides in psychiatric treatment.

Concise Biography of Paracelsus
Spagyrical Writings
Paracelsus Quotations
Paracelsus in Print
Paracelsus Picture Gallery
Paracelsus on the Web

Medieval Science & Medicine
Medieval Alchemy

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