Theophrastus Bombastus Von Hohenheim (Paracelsus) (1493–1541): The eminent physician and pioneer of toxicology

Spyros N. Michaleas; Konstantinos Laios; Gregory Tsoucalas; Georges Androutsos

Toxicology Reports (Jan 2021)

Theophrastus Bombastus Von Hohenheim (Paracelsus) (1493–1541): The eminent physician and pioneer of toxicology

Spyros N. Michaleas,
Konstantinos Laios,
Gregory Tsoucalas,
Georges Androutsos

Affiliations

Spyros N. Michaleas: Department of History of Medicine and Medical Deontology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Corresponding author.
Konstantinos Laios: Department of History of Medicine and Medical Ethics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Gregory Tsoucalas: History of Medicine, Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Georges Androutsos: Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8
pp. 411 – 414

Abstract

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Theophrastus Bombastus Von Hohenheim known as Paracelsus was a German-Swiss homo universalis, or Renaissance man, whose interests included medicine, chemistry and toxicology. Characterized as a rebellious and great reformer of established medicine of his era, Paracelsus preferred observing nature, over studying ancient texts to find appropriate treatments for various diseases. He also used unconventional curative methods, such as minerals and other inorganic substances, which caused much controversy among his contemporaries. The main purpose of this article is to highlight his contribution on toxicology and the use of mercury.

Published in Toxicology Reports

ISSN: 2214-7500 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Ireland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine: Toxicology. Poisons
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/toxicology-reports/

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