Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, more commonly known as Paracelsus, is a historical figure from The Renaissance. He was a Swiss physician-scientist, theologian, and philosopher who worked in the early 16th century.
Born in a small village in Switzerland, von Hohenheim picked up an affinity for medicine and science from his father, who worked as a doctor in the city of Villach, and an affinity for theology and philosophy from a nearby convent school. After graduating from medical school he began traveling all over Europe, eventually settling in the city of Basel and gaining renown as a doctor and professor. However, he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with classical medicine and philosophy, leading to exclusion from the local scientific community.
In Alsace, he took up the name "Paracelsus" and began publishing his various medical texts and treatises. He died in 1541 in Salzburg after being credited with a number of contributions to medicine and science, such as:
- Deeper understandings of goiter and syphilis;
- Popularizing the usage of opium in the Germanic states;
- Mineral therapies for various diseases;
- Texts that would, in hindsight, be considered forerunners to the topics of homoepathy, antisepsis, and germ theory;
- Foundations of modern toxicology (the adage "dose makes the poison" is attributed to him).
Paracelsus was also known for his strong affinity for philosophy, alchemy, and astrology. His thinkings, much of which are detailed in the posthumously published Astronomia magna, were driven by his own religiosity; he considered it humankind's duty to understand things about the known world in God's name and believed in a balance between the natural and the divine.
His death spawned a minor medico-philosophical movement known as Paracelsianism, which venerated him as a prophet who had achieved the azoth/panacea. Portraits of him sometimes feature his sword, inscribed with "azoth", for this reason. This is also what adds a streak of occultism and magic to his later portrayals in pop culture (see below). Centuries on, Paracelsus' reputation is either that of a medieval quack, a Renaissance Man ahead of his time, or somewhere in between.
In fiction:
Anime and Manga
- In the Nasuverse Paracelsus' alchemy makes him a Caster-class servant. He was first introduced in Fate/Prototype.
- Fullmetal Alchemist's immortal alchemist, Van Hohenheim, is named for him.
- Sword Gai: Paracelsus' demonic sword is the result of a Deal with the Devil.
Film
- In 9 the in-story processes that made the robot-homunculi were derived from Paracelsus' writings.
- The 1943 German biopic Paracelsus.
Literature
- Robert Browning wrote a poem about Paracelsus' life, also titled Paracelsus.
- He is the main character in Jorge Luis Borges' short story ""La rosa de Paracelso".
- A supporting character in The Enterprise Of Death.
- In Harry Potter continuity he was a renowned wizard, credited with inventing Parseltongue.
Live-Action TV
- Paracelsus is an immortal antagonist in Warehouse 13.
Video Games
- In Soulcalibur Legends he was Iska's alchemy teacher in Basel.
- Venus Blood -Gaia- named its main protagonist, the heretical scholar Theofrad Hohenheim, after him.
