Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus, was a Renaissance physician/scientist who helped revolutionize the theory and practice of medicine. One of his most important contributions was the application of chemistry to medicine, stressing the use of chemical medications rather than the then more popular "magic potions" based on herbs and other substances. Paracelsus maintained an ongoing feud throughout his life with the medical establishment, who considered him a heretic and usurper of their traditions. The word "bombastic" comes from his original name and is an ironic tribute to his aggressive and combative personality.

Paracelsus was born in 1493 in Einsiedeln, Switzerland. His father, Wilhelm of Hohenheim, was a physician and most likely gave Paracelsus his first instruction in medicine. At the age of 16, he enrolled at the University at Basel in Germany to study alchemy, surgery, and medicine. But Paracelsus was already revealing his restlessness...