Paracelsus (the name he is most commonly known by)

Paracelsus, born Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, was a 16th-century Swiss physician and alchemist who revolutionized medicine by emphasizing the importance of observation, experimentation, and the use of specific chemicals and minerals in treatment. He challenged traditional medical ideas, advocating that illness stemmed from natural causes rather than mystical forces. Paracelsus laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology, introducing the concept that substances could be used therapeutically in targeted doses. His innovative approach combined science with a practical understanding of nature, making him a key figure in the transition from medieval to modern medicine.