Paracelsian1
/ˌparəˈsɛlsɪən/History of Science
noun
A follower or adherent of Paracelsus, or of his medical or philosophical principles.
- Paracelsus was an outspokenly iconoclastic figure who rejected orthodox Galenic humoral theory in favour of a system in which metals and minerals were the principle agents in both the development and the treatment of disease (supplemented in the latter case by herbal folk remedies). Although his work was largely mystical and alchemical in nature, his decisive break with the medical establishment of the time and his perceived reliance on practical experience, observation, and chemical preparations have sometimes led to his being considered the forefather of modern medicine..
adjective
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Paracelsus, or of his teachings or followers.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in John Jones (fl. 1562–1579), physician. From the name of Paracelsus, pseudonym of Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, Swiss physician, alchemist, and natural philosopher + -ian. With use as noun compare Paracelsist; with use as adjective compare slightly earlier Paracelsical.
paracelsian2
/ˌparəˈsɛlsɪən/Mineralogy
noun
A colourless or pale yellow mineral of the monoclinic system which is a barium-containing feldspar dimorphous with celsian (into which it is changed on heating).
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Mineralogy Magazine. From para- + celsian, after Italian paracelsiana.