(1493-1541)
| Philippus
Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim was born in Switzerland a few
months after Columbus discovered America. Had the life and discoveries
of Paracelsus drawn as much attention as those of Christopher Columbus
the present world would be so much the better. Paracelsus was a student of nature who took on many researches eventually becoming a very gifted healer and also one who drew many and vocal detractors. His bombastic nature brought power to his works and alienation from the orthodox pill pushers of the day. Philippus apprenticed with his father, sat in medical schools and traveled his “strolling life” for many years in Europe and Asia. All the while, he collected information “not only from physicians, surgeons, and alchemists, but also by his intercourse with executioners, barbers, shepherds, Jews, gipsies, midwives, and fortune-tellers.” He was not content to absorb dogmas which had persisted for 13 centuries. Paracelsus, like the Great Physician before him, used whatever methods were required for the patients and the times. He treated patients in high and low classes, and healed the dying in the midst of plagues when the regular doctors were ineffective. The cornerstones of his practice and life were Prayer, Faith, and Imagination. Prayer - “a strong desire and aspiration for that which is good,” Faith - “based upon soul-knowledge, an unwavering confidence, a faith that may move mountains,” Imagination - “knowing a great deal more of God’s mysteries than all those that receive their superficial learning through the avenues of the senses.” “It is for us, by
becoming holy, to recognise the holiness of God in all things.” In his short 25-year career, Paracelsus wrote and dictated hundreds of books, articles, and works on Medicine, Alchemy, Astrology, Philosophy and Magic. He discovered zinc, initiated the discipline of toxicology, and pointed his fellows towards body-mind relationships. Modern day readers and students – including this writer – generally miss much of his wisdom because so much of it is couched in terminology to veil secrets from the profane and at the same time open doors for the righteous and persistent. His mind, heart and soul stirred his patients through his touch and his presence above and beyond the potions and prescriptions he may have offered. Details of his particular mode of magnetic work are lacking, but it is clear that Paracelsus drew upon the vital forces of Nature in his healing practices. “Paracelsus, not Mesmer, was the original discoverer of so-called Mesmerism.” Franz Hartmann |