Mechanistische principes bij Franciscus dele Boë, Sylvius

Abstract

Mechanical principles in Franciscus dele Boë, Sylvius' theories In the 17th century the term iatrochemistry was restricted only to the use of chemically prepared remedies. Later on medical historians extended the meaning of this term to the use of chemical concepts in physiology and pathology. They distinguished iatrochemistry from iatromechanism, suggesting an opposition. In the case of F. dele Boë, Sylvius it is clear that his theory is primarily based on chemistry; especially on the opposition between acid and alkali. Nevertheless he used mechanical and hydrodynamic principles in physiology and pathology. This - together with his recommendation of mathematics - made his iatrochemistry different from that of the older iatrochemists like Paracelsus and Van Helmont. Therefore we might suggest to describe the theoretical frame-work of 17th century medicine in terms of chemical philosophy or mechanical philosophy and to restrict the label iatrochemistry to its original use.