The Chemical PhilosophySwiss-born physician and alchemist Paracelsus (1493–1541) and his disciples espoused a doctrine they proclaimed as a truly Christian interpretation of nature in chemistry. Drawing upon a mixture of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance sources, they developed a new philosophy that interpreted both macrocosmic and microcosmic events through the personal observations of the chemist and the Divine Grace of the Lord. Until the publication of this book, however, the breadth and vicissitudes of the Paracelsian approach to nature and medicine had been little studied. This volume spans more than a century, providing a rich record of the major interests of the Paracelsian and other chemical philosophers and the conflicts in which they engaged with their contemporaries. It examines chemistry and nature in the Renaissance, the Paracelsian debates, the theories of Robert Fludd, the Helmontian restatement of the chemical philosophy, and many other issues of this transitional era in the history of science. Enhanced with 36 black-and-white illustrations, this well-researched and compellingly related study will fascinate students of the history of science, chemistry, and medicine. |
Contents
| 1 | |
THE CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY | 63 |
THE PARACELSIAN DEBATES | 127 |
THE SYNTHESIS OF ROBERT FLUDD | 205 |
Volume II | 293 |
THE BROKEN CHAIN THE HELMONTIAN RESTATEMENT OF THE CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY | 295 |
THE CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY IN TRANSITION NATURE EDUCATION AND STATE | 381 |
THE CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY IN TRANSITION TOWARD A NEW CHEMISTRY AND MEDICINE | 447 |
POSTSCRIPT | 539 |
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Common terms and phrases
accepted alchemy ancient appeared argued authors become believed blood body Boyle called cause century chemical chemical philosophy chemistry College concept concern continued cure described discussed disease distillation divine Duchesne earlier early earth edition educational elements English evidence example experiment explanation fire Fludd force four heat Helmont History Ibid important influence interest John knowledge later Latin learned less London magic mathematics matter medicine metals method microcosm mineral motion nature noted observations Oriatrike original Ortus Pagel Paracelsian Paracelsus Paris philosophy physician physics practical prepared present Press principles problems published referred reform rejected Renaissance result Robert salt Science sect seemed separation seventeenth century spirit substances suggested surely texts theory things Thomas thought tion traditional trans translation true turn understanding University van Helmont views Webster writings wrote