The writings of Philippus Aureolus Theophastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, also known as Paracelsus, might seem rather odd to modern readers. The tone is at times aggressive and opinionated, and the subject of medicine is often mixed with many other topics like magic, astrology, and alchemy. However, Paracelsus made important contributions to medicine by challenging many traditional ideas. He argued that diseases occurred for external reasons, replacing the ancient theory that illness was the result of an internal imbalance of humors. This new theory of disease inspired Paracelsus to seek new methods of therapy, including the use of minerals like mercury, lead, copper sulfate, and antimony. Der grossen Wundartzney was Paracelsus’ first treatise on surgery. He did not employ the traditional methods of cauterization and boiling oil to treat wounds but primarily advocated cleaning them, following the teachings of Teodorico Borgognoni and Henri de Mondeville.
Paracelsus
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Der grossen Wundartzney, das erst [-ander] Bůch, des ergründten und bewerten, der bayden Artzney, Doctors Paracelsi. 2 vols. in 1 Augsburg: Heynrich Steyner, 1536/7 The Le Roy Crummer Collection