Joan Baptista van Helmont (Continuation)

## Joan Baptista van Helmont (Continuation) Joan Baptista van Helmont (Continuation)

Van Helmont's medical practice was based on chemical principles, but he rejected many Paracelsian ideas, particularly the theory of the three principles (mercury, sulfur, salt). He developed his own theory based on water as the primary element and on the action of specific "archeus" or vital principles directing bodily processes. Van Helmont's therapeutics emphasized gentle, specific remedies rather than the violent purgatives and bloodletting of Galenic medicine. He pioneered the use of alkaline remedies and developed new chemical preparations. His emphasis on specific diseases with specific causes and specific remedies contributed to the development of modern disease concepts.

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