Occult Science in Medicine (c. 1893) - Franz Hartmann

What if the physician of the future were also a philosopher, an alchemist and a student of the invisible world?

First published in 1893, Occult Science in Medicine is a remarkable exploration of the mysterious territory where medicine, astrology, alchemy and spiritual philosophy meet. Physician and Theosophical writer Franz Hartmann turns to the teachings of Paracelsus to challenge the boundaries of nineteenth-century medical thought and ask whether the human being is more than a physical body.

Across its intriguing chapters, Hartmann considers the sevenfold constitution of humanity, the symbolic powers of the planets, the four pillars of medicine, the five causes of disease and the five classes of physicians. He explores the hidden meanings of salt, sulphur and mercury; the transformation sought by the alchemist; and the roles of imagination, faith and the will in historical esoteric healing traditions.

Within these pages

• The sevenfold human being: physical, astral, mental and spiritual principles in Theosophical thought.
• Planetary symbolism: Saturn, the Moon, the Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus as emblems of forces within human nature.
• Paracelsian alchemy: the deeper significance of the three substances and the alchemist's inner transformation.
• The five causes of disease: Hartmann's account of astral, poisonous, natural, spiritual and divine influences.
• The five classes of physicians: a fascinating historical taxonomy extending beyond ordinary therapeutics.
• The medicine of the future: a bold Victorian vision of the relationship between knowledge, wisdom and healing.

At once philosophical, provocative and richly esoteric, this unusual volume offers a compelling glimpse into the occult revival of the late Victorian era. An especially rewarding read for anyone fascinated by Paracelsus, Theosophy, Hermeticism, alchemical symbolism, historical medicine and the forgotten intellectual worlds of the nineteenth century.

Book details

Author: Franz Hartmann, M.D.
Originally published: 1893
Publisher: Theosophical Publishing Society, London
Format: Digital PDF facsimile
Language: English
Collection: Hearthwise Historical Library

A historical work of esoteric philosophy and medical thought, presented for study and curiosity.