The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.
ParacelsusRead
Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Alchemy is more about the pursuit of knowledge and virtue than material wealth.
In this quote, Paracelsus highlights that while many perceive alchemy as a means to produce precious metals like gold and silver, his focus is on the deeper, more virtuous aspects of alchemy, namely the exploration of the medicinal properties and the potential healing power that substances can offer. This reflects a broader philosophy that values inner qualities and knowledge over mere material gain.
Themes
AlchemyVirtueKnowledgeMedicinesPowerGold
In practice
Example use cases
To encourage students in a science class about the importance of research beyond profit, you might quote Paracelsus.
More from Paracelsus
All quotes →Know that the philosopher has power over the stars, and not the stars over him.
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The human body is vapor materialized by sunshine mixed with the life of the stars.
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All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.
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It should be forbidden and severely punished to remove cancer by cutting, burning, cautery, and other fiendish tortures. It is from nature that the disease comes, and from nature comes the cure, not from physicians.
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Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often.
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