[Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim--known as Paracelsus]

Paracelsus' life is described biographically from his birth in Einsiedeln in Switzerland in 1493, via his education during his prolonged wanderings in many parts of Europe, until he was appointed Professor of Medicine in Basel in 1527. During the period 1524 to 1538 he wrote a number of medical and theological treatises which provide some insight into his way of thinking. He maintained that there were sides to nature and human beings that scientists had failed to explain, but which were of major importance for an understanding of human beings, and for practising medicine. The author briefly discusses some of the basic concepts which Paracelsus tried to elucidate in the light of his own experience and knowledge. Paracelsus died in Salzburg in 1541.