How did Paracelsus influence the scientific study of poisons?

The 16th-century German-Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus is widely credited with initiating the systematic scientific study of poisons. His influence on toxicology was transformative, primarily through two key contributions:

• Emphasis on Chemical Nature: Paracelsus shifted the understanding of poisons by stressing their chemical nature rather than relying on traditional lore. By uniting medicine with chemistry, he pioneered the use of chemical remedies and encouraged empirical observation over ancient Scholasticism.123
• Introduction of the Dose Concept: He was the first to formally introduce the concept of dose, recognizing that the biological effect of a substance is dependent on the amount administered. This insight laid the groundwork for the dose–response relationship, a fundamental principle in modern science which posits that all substances can be toxic depending on the level of exposure.14

Additionally, Paracelsus utilized experimentation to study the actions of poisons, moving the field toward an empirical, evidence-based discipline. His work established that the study of toxicity requires analyzing the interaction between chemical substances and living organisms.1