[[Paracelsus]] ([[1493-01-01 - 1541-09-24|1493 – 24 September 1541]]), born [[Paracelsus|Theophrastus von Hohenheim]], was a Swiss physician, alchemist, lay theologian, and philosopher of the German [[Renaissance]]. He was a pioneer in several aspects of the "medical revolution" of the [[Renaissance]], emphasizing the value of observation in combination with received wisdom. He is credited as *the father of toxicology*. [[Paracelsus]] also had a substantial influence as a prophet or diviner. [[Paracelsus]]'s approach to science was heavily influenced by his religious beliefs. He believed that science and religion were inseparable, and scientific discoveries were direct messages from [[God]].