Author's Notes:  "Paracelsus" is a Double Dactyl formatted write that I wrote as a tribute to "Philippus von Hohenheim" (aka: "Paracelsus"). Paracelsus was Swiss-German and was born in Switzerland in 1493. He was a genius who was obviously ahead of his time for the early 16th century period he lived in during the era of Renaissance philosophy. Paracelsus wore multiple professional hats as an Alchemist, Astrologer, and Physician. His academic and practical interests spanned the fields of Alchemy, Physiology, Astrology, Science, and the Occult. Being ahead of his time, and being well-educated and very intelligent, often put him on a collision course with many of the established medical authorities of that time. Nevertheless, being both iconoclastic by attitude and nature as well as being arrogant to a fault, Paracelsus pushed ahead with many of his experiments and ideas, which breathed new life into the traditional views held at that time in the fields of medicine and chemistry. As a practicing astrologer he combined the use of astrological talismans in the treatment of disease with his medical procedures. Paracelsus was also well-known for using chemicals and minerals in medical treatments. With all of this said, he was viewed as "reformer" in his time, and through his medical and scientific achievements he was able to contribute to the further enlightenment of medical science in years to come. Paracelsus was, in effect, both a transformational and a transitional figure between the worlds of medieval and modern medicine. He was iconoclastic for sure. (Gary Bateman - June 15, 2015) (Double Dactyl)

Categories:  culture, health, history, international, introspection, science, and tribute.