Paracelsus, the subject of the last essay by Mr. W. P. Swainson, wes the founder of a new school of medical theory and practice. Born in Switzerland in 1490, Paracelsus sought knowledge in reason and in investigation as against authority. He practised asepsis, chemical therapeutics, and taught that certain diseases were due to the action of evil passions, wrong thoughts or a morbid imagination. This very modern approach to medicine was accompanied by a belief in magic, alchemical transmutation, astrology and other occult beliefs, According to Paracelsus there were three fundamentals upon which all knowledge must be based:
First; Prayer or aspiration after oe. E. means of which we reach L'" Second: Faith. based upon Knowledge, through which we attain to Christ. Third: Imagination. by means of which' we become, as it we? immersed in our souls, so that external senses become quiescent, and the superficial or sense learning. place to the inner, or Divine Wisdom With these fundamentals it is not surprising that Paracelsus held to the Christian faith and contended that with should rest on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
This volume is the first in a series which will include essays on famous occultists and mystics.—r.m.n.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.