Paracelsus

Date of Birth: November 11, 1493

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 24, 1541

Biography

Paracelsus, born Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, was a Swiss physician, alchemist, and astrologer of the German Renaissance. He is credited as the father of toxicology and is known for his contributions to the early understanding of chemistry and medicine. Paracelsus was born in Einsiedeln, Switzerland, and was educated at a number of universities in Europe, including the University of Basel, where he later became a professor. His groundbreaking work challenged the established medical practices of his time, advocating for the use of chemicals and minerals in medicine. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, gaining knowledge and sharing his innovative ideas. Paracelsus’s legacy in the medical and scientific communities is profound, influencing future generations of scientists and physicians.

5 Interesting Facts about Paracelsus

1. Paracelsus is often credited with the quote “The dose makes the poison,” emphasizing the importance of dosage in medicine and toxicology.

2. He was one of the first to suggest that illness was the result of external agents attacking the body, rather than an imbalance of the four humors.

3. Paracelsus coined the term “zinc” and was the first to describe the element.

4. He burned the books of Galen and Avicenna publicly to symbolize his break from traditional medical practices.

5. Paracelsus’s work laid the foundation for the development of modern pharmacology.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paracelsus

1. “The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician.”

2. “Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided.”

3. “What the eyes perceive in herbs or stones or trees is not yet a remedy; the eyes see only the dross.”

4. “Dreams are not without meaning wherever they may come from—from fantasy, from the elements, or from other inspiration.”

5. “All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dose alone makes a thing not poison.”