Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Archeus
‖
Ar-che′us
,Noun.
The vital principle or force which (according to the Paracelsians) presides over the growth and continuation of living beings; the
anima mundi
or plastic power of the old philosophers. [Obs.]
Johnson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Archeus
ARCHE'US
,Noun.
A term used by the ancient chimists, to denote the interal efficient cause of all things; the anima mundi or plastic power of the old philosophers; the power that presides over the animal economy, or the vis medicatrix; the active principle of the material world. In medicine, good health, or ancient practice.
Definition 2024
archeus
archeus
English
Noun
archeus (plural archei)
- (alchemy) The vital principle or force believed by the Paracelsians to be responsible for alchemical reactions within living bodies, and hence for the growth and continuation of life.
- 1662, Henry More, An Antidote Against Atheism, Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 68:
- " […] it must be the Modus of some other Substance latitant in the fluid Matter, and really distinguishable from it; which is either the Soul, or some seminal Form or Archeus, as the Chymist calls it […] "
- 2003, Roy Porter, Flesh in the Age of Reason (Penguin 2004, p. 56)
- Willis rejected not just scholasticism's ‘substantial forms’ but Paracelsus's ‘archeus’ doctrine as well.
- 2006, Philip Ball, The Devil's Doctor, Arrow 2007, p. 250:
- But Paracelsus' theory of the archeus and the alchemy of life inevitably led him into deeper waters.
- 1662, Henry More, An Antidote Against Atheism, Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 68:
Translations
the vital principle or force responsible for life
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