Catholic chemist, physician, and reformer of therapeutics. Born December 1493 at Sihlbrücke, Switzerland; died September 24, 1541 at Salzburg, Austria. His family, named Bombast (humanized Paracelsus), belonged to Würtemberg. After studying alchemy under Joannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, and metallurgy under Sigmund Fugger at Schwaz, he was named city physician of Basel, but his opposition to the Galeno-Arabic medicine led to his dismissal and thereafter he spent a vagrant life, composing his writings meanwhile. His important part in the history of medicine has been tardily recognized, for though his theories show no advance on the ancient practise, he was the founder of modern materia medica and a pioneer in scientific chemistry. He made great use of tinctures of herbs, was the first to employ mercury in treating syphilis, and to recognize the value of mineral springs.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More