Chemistry Flashcards
What 3 major contributions did alchemy make to modern science, and especially chemistry?
- Glassware and various apparatus
- Ability to alter physical properties of matter
- Worldview of having power over nature through science
In what 4 main ways was alchemy scientifically deficient?
- Qualitative, rather than quantitative
- Mystical
- Futile (cannot transform one element into another)
- No understanding of nature gained
What was Paracelsus’ real name? Why did he choose Paracelsus instead?
Phillipus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim. Chose “Paracelsus” because he wanted it to mean “better than Celcus” (can’t blame him for wanting something else though).
What were Paracelsus’ views on academia?
Rejected it, travelled instead and thought it far better to learn from experience.
How did Paracelsus’ work in mines influence his later medical practices?
Gave him knowledge of metallurgy and metallic properties, which he incorporated into his treatment of patients.
Is Paracelsus thought to have received a medical degree? What resulted from this?
It’s up in the air really, he might not have. He still had success as a private physician prescribing simple medicines.
What became of Paracelsus’ career as a professor of medicine at the University of Basel?
He got kicked out after a few months for publicly burning the works of Galen and Avicenna, as well as getting on the wrong side of most medical practitioners in the city.
How could you summarize what Paracelsus thought to be one of the primary concerns regarding digestion?
If we knew how food turned into poop we’d be able to understand a lot more. (something Greg said, idk how important it is…)
What were Paracelsus’ views regarding ancient knowledge?
Most of it is useless, but he accepted the Hippocratic’s ethical approach (not their 4 humour model though).
What were Paracelsus’ views regarding dissection?
Dissection is a waste of time, medicine should focus on function rather than form.
What role did Paracelsus believe chemistry had in regards to human life? What is this approach called?
Iatrochemistry, the belief that life is a chemical process.
What is an “Archeus”? Which of the famous scientists of the enlightenment believed in this idea most strongly?
A mystical internal alchemist inside the human body which oversees all the chemical reactions needed to sustain life. Supported by Paracelsus.
What did Paracelsus believe caused illness? How did he propose to treat illness?
Defects in body chemistry. Treat with a specific chemical therapy for each disease.
How did Paracelsus relate medicine to astrology? Which ancient idea is this reflected in?
Thought that astrology should form part of the basis for choosing which drug to use for treatment. Reflects the Chinese idea of macrocosm/microcosm.
What is the “Doctrine of Signatures”? Which enlightenment scientist mentioned in class is known to have followed this?
The idea that the medicinal use for a plant is indicated by the morphology of the plant. Paracelsus followed this line of thinking.
How did Paracelsus generally treat wounds?
By cleaning them and letting them heal themselves.
How did Paracelsus generally treat syphillis? How is it treated today?
Treated with mercury (yikes), and found it reasonably effective (even wrote a book about it!). Now it is treated with arsenic though.
What is “Laudanum”? Which enlightenment scientist is though to have discovered it? How was it used in medicine?
Employed by Paracelsus, a tincture of opium used as an analgesic, and by desperate parents as a treatment for whooping cough.
What differentiates alcohol extraction from water extraction of a product (effect, not mechanism).
Alcohol extraction gives a more powerful product.
What is “sweet vitriol”? What did Paracelsus discover about this? What were the potential applications for this?
Ethyl ether, known by Paracelsus to put animals to sleep. He could have figured out how to use this in surgery, but instead he died and surgery kept being horrific.
