Paracelsus
Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim became known as Paracelsus.
Paracelsus (1493-1541) was an alchemist and physician who founded the modern field of pharmacology. His thinking was revolutionary for its time, and he both profited and suffered for his non-adherence to convention. He lectured in German rather than Latin, and he treated Galen's notions of the four humors sceptically. He applied chemical treatments to illnesses, and used his knowledge of alchemy to try to find cures to help others rather than precious metals to enrich himself. "The word "bombastic" comes from his original name and is an ironic tribute to his aggressive and combative personality."(reference for quote:"Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim." World of Health. Online. Thomson Gale, 2006. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale. 2007. )
Early life
Born in Switzerland, his first training in medicine was apparently from his father, Wilhelm of Hohenheim, a physician. At age 16, he began to study alchemy, medicine, and philosophy- the subjects that would fascinate him throughout his life, at the University at Basel in Germany. Even then, he exhibited the characteristics that would typify him throughout life, he failed to show reverence for academic traditions and began to travel throughout Europe. He continued his studies in many countries, including Germany, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Russia.