# Paracelsus

> Swiss physician, philosopher, theologian, and alchemist (c. 1493–1541)

**Wikidata**: [Q83428](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83428)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracelsus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paracelsus

## Summary

Paracelsus was born on November 10, 1493, in Egg. He was a Swiss physician writer, astrologer, astronomer, pharmacist, chemist, and philosopher. His father was Wilhelm Bombast von Hohenheim, and his mother is not named in available records. Paracelsus received his education at the University of Ferrara and the University of Vienna, and he practiced Christianity throughout his life.Paracelsus worked primarily in the fields of medicine, alchemy, and astrology. He held positions as a professor and town physician starting in 1527 at the University of Basel. He died on September 24, 1541, in Salzburg.

## Summary
Paracelsus was a Swiss physician, philosopher, theologian, and alchemist (c. 1493–1541) who revolutionized medicine through his holistic approach, blending alchemy, astrology, and empirical observation. He is best known for his influential medical writings and contributions to the development of iatrochemistry, which emphasized the use of chemical substances in treatment.

## Biography
- Born: c. 1493 in Einsiedeln, Switzerland
- Nationality: Swiss
- Education: Studied at the University of Basel and the University of Ferrara
- Known for: Pioneering iatrochemistry and holistic medicine
- Employer(s): University of Ferrara, University of Basel
- Field(s): Medicine, alchemy, philosophy, theology

## Contributions
- **Iatrochemistry**: Developed the concept of iatrochemistry, which combined chemical substances with medical practice, influencing modern pharmacology.
- **Medical Writings**: Authored numerous works, including *De Natura Rerum* (1538), which integrated alchemy, astrology, and medicine.
- **Holistic Medicine**: Advocated for a holistic approach to healing, emphasizing the body's connection to the cosmos and the use of natural substances.
- **Alchemical Research**: Conducted extensive alchemical experiments, contributing to the field's theoretical and practical developments.

## FAQs
**What was Paracelsus's primary contribution to medicine?**
Paracelsus pioneered iatrochemistry, which combined chemical substances with medical practice, influencing modern pharmacology and holistic healing approaches.

**Where did Paracelsus study?**
Paracelsus studied at the University of Basel and the University of Ferrara, where he earned degrees in medicine and philosophy.

**What is iatrochemistry?**
Iatrochemistry is a medical approach that integrates chemical substances into treatment, emphasizing the body's connection to the cosmos and natural healing.

**What are some of Paracelsus's notable works?**
Paracelsus authored *De Natura Rerum* (1538), a foundational text that blended alchemy, astrology, and medicine, and other influential medical writings.

**How did Paracelsus influence modern medicine?**
Paracelsus's holistic approach and emphasis on chemical substances in treatment laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology and holistic healing practices.

## Why They Matter
Paracelsus's work fundamentally reshaped medicine by introducing iatrochemistry and a holistic approach to healing. His ideas influenced generations of physicians and scientists, contributing to the development of modern pharmacology and natural medicine. His integration of alchemy, astrology, and empirical observation provided a comprehensive framework for understanding health, which continues to resonate in contemporary medical thought.

## Notable For
- Pioneering iatrochemistry, a key development in medical chemistry.
- Authoring *De Natura Rerum* (1538), a foundational text in holistic medicine.
- Advocating for the use of chemical substances in treatment, influencing modern pharmacology.
- Blending alchemy, astrology, and empirical observation in medical practice.
- Educated at the University of Basel and the University of Ferrara, contributing to the academic legacy of both institutions.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Paracelsus was born around 1493 in Einsiedeln, Switzerland. He studied at the University of Basel and later at the University of Ferrara, where he earned degrees in medicine and philosophy. His early education laid the foundation for his later contributions to medicine and alchemy.

### Career and Medical Practice
Paracelsus practiced medicine and conducted extensive alchemical research. He was affiliated with the University of Ferrara and the University of Basel, where he taught and conducted research. His medical practice and alchemical experiments were groundbreaking, influencing the development of iatrochemistry.

### Contributions to Medicine
Paracelsus's most significant contribution was the development of iatrochemistry, which combined chemical substances with medical practice. He authored numerous influential works, including *De Natura Rerum* (1538), which integrated alchemy, astrology, and medicine. His holistic approach to healing emphasized the body's connection to the cosmos and the use of natural substances.

### Influence and Legacy
Paracelsus's ideas had a profound impact on medicine and alchemy. His work laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology and holistic healing practices. His integration of alchemy, astrology, and empirical observation provided a comprehensive framework for understanding health, which continues to influence contemporary medical thought.

### Notable Works
- *De Natura Rerum* (1538): A foundational text that blended alchemy, astrology, and medicine, influencing generations of physicians and scientists.
- Other influential medical writings: Paracelsus authored numerous other works that contributed to the development of iatrochemistry and holistic medicine.

### Affiliations and Employers
- University of Ferrara: Paracelsus was affiliated with the University of Ferrara, where he taught and conducted research.
- University of Basel: He also studied and practiced medicine at the University of Basel, contributing to its academic legacy.

### Field of Work
Paracelsus's primary fields of work were medicine, alchemy, philosophy, and theology. His interdisciplinary approach integrated these fields, leading to innovative contributions to medical science and alchemical research.

## References

1. [Ein Mann voller Fragezeichen. 2019](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/2019/03/paracelcus/)
2. [24. September 1541 - Paracelsus stirbt in Salzburg](https://www1.wdr.de/stichtag/stichtag5974.html#:~:text=Sein%20Wissen%20publiziert%20er%20in,oder%2048%20Jahren%20in%20Salzburg.)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Genealogics
5. [Source](http://emp-web-84.zetcom.ch/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=artist&objectId=12960)
6. [Basel erhält das Chemical Landmark zu Ehren von Paracelsus. 2020](https://scnat.ch/de/uuid/i/83f0d0a6-5e29-57bb-a9d2-70eb46b53fa8-Basel_erh%C3%A4lt_das_Chemical_Landmark_zu_Ehren_von_Paracelsus#:~:text=Paracelsus%20wurde%201527%20Stadtarzt%20in,ber%C3%BChmten%20wie%20streitbaren%20Medicus%20erinnern.)
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. [Theophrastus Bombastus Von Hohenheim (Paracelsus) (1493–1541): The eminent physician and pioneer of toxicology. United States National Library of Medicine](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7920879/)
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12. CiNii Research
13. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-89189)
14. Enciclopedia Treccani
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Mathematics Genealogy Project
17. [Source](https://catalogue.beic.it/discovery/search?query=any,contains,Paracelsus&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Library&vid=39BEIC_INST:39BEIC_INST&offset=0)
18. CONOR.SI
19. BBC Things
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21. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
22. LIBRIS. 2012
23. Treccani Philosophy
24. [Source](https://www.philamuseum.org/collections/results.html?searchTxt=&bSuggest=1&searchNameID=48320)
25. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
26. Provenio
27. HMML Authority File
28. performing-arts.ch
29. [Paracelsus MBTI Personality Type: INFJ](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/5619/paracelsus-biology-medicine-mbti-personality-type)
30. Catalogo of the National Library of India