cardimelechn.
/ˌkɑːdᵻˈmɛləx/, /ˌkɑːdᵻˈmɛlək/, /ˌkɑːdᵻˈmɛlɛx/, /ˌkɑːdᵻˈmɛlɛk/, U.S. /ˌkɑrdəˈmɛləx/, /ˌkɑrdəˈmɛlək/, /ˌkɑrdəˈmɛlɛx/, /ˌkɑrdəˈmɛlɛk/ rare (historical in later use).
In the terminology of J. Dolaeus: the (supposed) governor or governing principle of the vital spirits, located in the heart.Cf. the related term microcosmetor n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > vascular system > heart > [noun] > active principle of
cardimelech1684
1684 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 14 704 The other subordinate faculties..are described as Vice-royes residing in the principal viscera as in Provinces: Cardimelech in the heart.
1714 J. Arbuthnot Let. 26 June in J. Swift Corr. (1963) II. 43 He [sc. Microcosmetor] has under him severall other Genii, that reside in the particular parts of the body, particularly Prince Cardimelech in the heart.
1764 C. Collignon Enq. Struct. Human Body 6 What a whimsical Triumvirate has Dolæus given us? Microcosmetor, King of the Brain. Cardimelech, of the Heart. And Gasteranax of the Abdomen!
1889 H. E. Handerson tr. J. H. Baas Outl. Hist. Med. 495 One of the most curious partisans of Sylvius was the Hessian physician-in-ordinary Joh. Doläus (1651-1707), according to whose doctrines amalgamated with the ideas of Helmont, no disease could originate without the stomach-king (gasteranax) and the heart-king (cardimelech).
1968 L. J. Rather & J. B. Frerichs in Clio Medica 3 37 (note) Johannes Dolaeus (1651–1707) used the terms ‘gasteranax’ (stomach-king), ‘cardimelech’ (heart-king), and ‘microcosmetor’ to designate a kind of local vital force.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2021; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1684