Renegade physician Paracelsus is one of the most dramatic figures of the European Renaissance. Doctor, alchemist, astrologer, herbologist, he introduces Spagyria, the alchemy of plants, lectures in the language of the people, and emphatically burns the books of Galen.
Born Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim in Switzerland, Paracelsus (1493 - 1541) is far from a conventional physician of his time. Gifted with insatiable curiosity and intellect surpassing his peers, Paracelsus explores natural medicine and alchemy.
He combines the two disciplines in a revolutionary manner challenging established beliefs and practice. His rebellious nature causes clashes with established medical traditions.
He refuses to lecture in Latin, delivering his talks in German so everyone can understand them, and wears peasant clothes instead of the esteemed robes of the university luminary. He's barred from lecturing in several towns, and develops an eager following.
In 1516, he adopts the name "para-Celsus," meaning "above Celsus". This new name indicates his belief he surpasses the esteemed 1st-century Roman medical writer Aulus Cornelius Celsus. Modesty is not one of Paracelsus' strong points.
He vehemently opposes the Four Humors theory popularized by Galen (c. 129 - 216 AD), which continues to dominate the practice of medicine. Paracelsus knows healing cannot be achieved through the humoral theory.
He argues for a more experimental and holistic approach, emphasizing the role of minerals, chemicals, natural compounds and the unique qualities of individuals in the healing process. He introduces chemistry into medicine.
“... Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines.”
In Switzerland, Paracelsus takes long walks through the Alps, examining plants as he finds them, visiting secluded mountain towns to discuss their folk medicine techniques. Much of his botanical wisdom comes from these excursions.
Besides Switzerland, Paracelsus travels extensively across Europe, immersing himself in different cultures and gaining knowledge from various traditions. His encounters with alchemical practices further enrich his holistic approach.
His emphasis on observation, experimentation, and the integration of chemistry into medicine slowly gain traction, leading to the emergence of modern medical practices. In toxicology, he purveys the concept "the dose makes the poison," an idea still held in pharmacology today.
Paracelsus demonstrates harmful substances can also heal when used correctly. He experiments with various toxins, ultimately prescribing mercury for syphilis, which rages unchecked through Europe. Nothing works until the advent of penicillin in the 20th century.
He also invents gnomes. He develops a theory of gnomic elements causing the tremors, rumbles and rockslides in the mountains. These elements eventually find places in human gardens.
In alchemy, Paracelsus supports the concept of the tria prima, consisting of mercury, sulfur and salt. Mercury is the volatile, fluid, mutable substance, mostly female in principle; while Sulfur is hot, dry, male principle and combustible. Androgynous salt gives them both stability.
Sulfur is anima, Sun, the soul; mercury spiritus, Moon, the spirit; Salt corpus, the earth, the body. According to the tria prima theory all matter is made of these three components.
Central to Paracelsus's philosophy is a belief in the connection between human body and the cosmos. This comes from astrology, which he's expected to learn as a physician. Certain planetary arrangements and constellations affect human health as well as destiny.
It's a concept similar to modern holistic approaches to health. In his alchemical studies, Paracelsus promotes the microcosm macrocosm theory, in that a human being is a microcosmic duality of the vast surrounding universe.
Strongly religious, he believes high moral character and dedication to God are required for successful practice in all aspects of life. Paracelsus asserts alchemy holds the keys to understanding health and disease. He has no interest in popular opinion.
Paracelsus is a fierce critic of the academic establishment and is known to publicly denounce universities and their learned men. He famously declares, stamping down his walking stick for emphasis,
"The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease."
After the death of Paracelsus, his followers publish much of his work. A Pseudo-Paracelsus movement starts. Rising Rosicrucianism uses his ideas as fodder for mindset and imagery, filtering it through the mesh of untutored perception and dogmatic desire.
While no members actually exist, the Rosicrucians have strong presence in the European Renaissance. Michael Maier writes about their ideals and Robert Fludd, a student of Paracelsus, takes up their symbol, the rose.
Both the colorful nature and strong medical advances of Paracelsus make him one of the most prominent figures of the European Renaissance.
Fiction Books:
READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series
READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries
Commentaires