Paracelsus (1493–1541)

Philippus Theophrastus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim, otherwise less exhaustively known as Paracelsus, was a medieval alchemist, astrologer, occultist, and physician who was well ahead of his time. The title Paracelsus, literally meaning “greater than or equal to Celsus,” pays homage to the Roman encyclopedist Aulus Cornelis Celsus (25 BCE-50 CE), whose only extant work, De Medicina, deals largely with archaic medical practices. Stories of Paracelsus's ego and arrogance would lead one to believe that Paracelsus accepted this title readily. His interest in time is evident in his numerous prophecies.

Born in Switzerland some time in late 1493 (conflicting accounts exist as to whether the month was November or December), Paracelsus was the son of a German physician and chemist and a Swiss mother. In fact, his earliest medical training was likely with his father, until more formal arrangements were made later on at the University of Vienna, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1510. A doctorate was later procured, but the university he received it from is unknown, although some believe it to be the University of Ferrara.

After completing his research, Paracelsus adopted a wanderer's life for some 10-odd years. His journeys took him across Europe and landed him in Russia, where he was taken prisoner by the Tartars. Gaining the favor of the ruler of the Tartars, Paracelsus eventually was enlisted to escort the ruler's son to Constantinople.

It was in Constantinople that Paracelsus's latent quest for hermetic knowledge was nourished by Arabian adepts, although Paracelsus was a devout Catholic. Perhaps this was his first encounter with the mentioning of alkahest, the universal element and solvent that Paracelsus believed to be the philosopher's stone, the pursuit of all alchemists. It was the belief of many alchemists that the philosopher's stone, in addition to [Page 967]being able to transmute other metals into gold, was also the key to immortality.

After returning to Europe, Paracelsus began his practice of medicine as an army surgeon. His contempt for contemporary medical tradition would become apparent after his witnessing of many amputations. Paracelsus's approach to medicine was all natural, similar to some homeopathic practices that exist today. His knowledge of alchemy allowed him to clean wounds with chemicals rather than allowing them to become gangrenous and require amputation. In fact, he would become the first to name the element zinc in 1526, after the German word for pointed: zinke. This combination of alchemical knowledge with medicinal practice would become the precursor to the modern discipline of pharmacy.

Also, like many other physicians and alchemists of the time, Paracelsus consulted astrology to help treat various ailments that he encountered in his practice. He believed in the idea that humankind was governed by the movement of celestial bodies. A medical astrologist, Paracelsus would base diagnoses on natal charts and Zodiac signs, with the understanding that each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac corresponded to various regions of the body.

Paracelsus's background in alchemy and astrology would allow him to become acquainted with much mystical knowledge. This is confirmed by an account of Paracelsus mentioning that he had created a homunculus, the so-called little man. This artificially created human was purportedly one foot tall and carried out menial tasks for its creator. As unbelievable as this may sound, humankind's current preoccupations with creating robots and other artificial intelligence show similar pursuits.

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