Robert Fludd (1574 - 1637) is an influential figure of the European Renaissance. He's known as a cosmologist, astrologer, mathematician and physician. He advocates a blend of contemporary science and ancient wisdom in medicine, defending the Rosicrucians.
Between 1598 and 1604, Fludd studies medicine, chemistry and hermeticism on the European mainland. On his own account he spends a winter in the Pyrenees studying theurgy (the practice of rituals) with Jesuits. He travels throughout Spain, Italy and Germany.
When he returns he attends Christ Church in Oxford, defending three theses according to the traditions of contemporary medicine, to graduate in 1605. After graduating, Fludd moves to London.
Attempts to enter the College of Physicians end in rejection, due more to attitude than intellect. His contempt for traditional medical authorities and medicine is inspired by the teachings of Paracelsus.
In Renaissance medicine the theory of the four humors prevails, based on the work of Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460 - 370 BCE). The four humors are blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. These influence the health of the body and its emotions.
In the four humors theory, phlegm represents apathy, and yellow bile (choleric) anger. Blood (sanguine) represents cheer and courage, and black bile corresponds to melancholy. According to the theory an imbalance of humors causes mental and physical sickness.
Paracelsus rants against this tradition and many more. He openly burns the books of Galen, prestigious 2nd century physician. The concept of humors is almost 2000 years old. Despite some opposition, it remains the medical standard until 1850, when germs are discovered.
Fludd finally succeeds in his efforts to enter the College of Physicians in 1609 and becomes a prestigious London doctor, serving as Censor of the College four times. He's also instrumental in an inspection of London apothecaries put on by the College in 1614.
He co-authors the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis, a directory of standardized pharmaceutical preparations given by the London College of Physicians. He's among the first to support William Harvey's theory of the circulation of blood, though it's a vague premise at the time.
Rosicrucianism
Fludd is frequently associated with the Rosicrucians due to strong support for their beliefs and ideas. He champions their principles as outlined in various manifestos and pamphlets circulating at the time.
His intellectual pursuits are entwined with the mystical and esoteric teachings of Rosicrucians, which emerge in the early 17th century in Germany. His writings often reflect an interest in alchemy, astrology, and spiritual enlightenment, themes resonating with the core tenets.
While Fludd may not have been a member of the Rosicrucian fraternity (and by some accounts, no one is), his philosophical alignment with their doctrines is unmistakable. He's significant in popularizing their beliefs.
His works serve as a bridge between the esoteric teachings of the Rosicrucians and the broader intellectual community of his time. The Rosicrucian order is the talk of the town along with their emphasis on hidden knowledge, secrecy and mysticism.
Medicine & Theory
Fludd believes in a combination of scientific medical knowledge and the ancient wisdom of natural magicians, especially the realm of mathematics. Like Pythagoras he believes numbers contain access to hidden secrets.
Fludd's writings and his understanding of disease focus on the connections among nature and humans, Earth and the divine. Although influenced by the tria prima of Paracelsus (mercury-sulfur-salt), Fludd proposes a different origin theory.
All beings and substances originate from an initial state of dark Chaos, followed by divine Light acting on the Chaos, resulting in the emergence of water. The water, also called Spirit of the Lord, constitutes passive material from which arise all other substances.
Fludd's tripartite theory asserts the tria prima comes from the interaction of chaos and light. From this formless condition arise various forms of water or Spirit. In some beliefs the Spirit is Mercurius.
Fludd is known for his unique approach to integrating mystical concepts with scientific and medical theories. One of his ideas is the tripartite theory, which he uses in various aspects of his work, particularly in the realms of medicine and science.
At the core of Fludd's philosophy is the concept of macrocosm and microcosm, influenced by Paracelsus, from earlier Greek or Egyptian thought. The relationship between larger universe (macrocosm) and the individual human being (microcosm), is essential.
Through exploration of the macrocosm and microcosm relationship, Fludd bridge the gap between the spiritual and material, the mystical and scientific. He sees the human body as a microcosm reflecting the greater macrocosm of the universe.
Christianity
Fludd asserts the divine light is the active agent responsible for creation. This forms the development of the world and the Sun. Inspired by Psalm 19:4 - "In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun," Fludd believes the Spirit of the Lord is contained within the Sun.
This gives it a central place in Fludd's model of the macrocosm. As the Sun was to the Earth, so is the heart to mankind. The Sun conveys Spirit to the Earth through its rays, which circulate in and about the Earth giving it life.
Macrocosm / Microcosm
According to Fludd, human blood contains the Spirit of the Lord (the same Spirit provided by the Sun) and flows through the human body. The relationship of microcosm and macrocosm is influenced by blood.
Interaction of blood and the circulating Spirit with the Spirit of the macrocosm is crucial. The macrocosmic Spirit, carried by the Sun, is subject to the influence of astral bodies and undergoes changes in composition.
Similarly, the astral impact on the macrocosmic Spirit can be transmitted to the microcosmic Spirit in the blood. This happens through the interaction between the macrocosm and the microcosm.
Fludd expands this to his understanding of illness: the movement of Spirit between the macrocosm and microcosm can become corrupted and infiltrate the microcosm as a disease. Like Paracelsus, Fludd sees disease as an external intruder rather than a humor imbalance.
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