Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus, (Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, 14931541) cast

alchemy into a new form, rejecting some of Agrippa's occultism and moving away
from chrysopoeia. Paracelsus pioneered the use of chemicals and minerals in medicine and
wrote, "Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such
is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines." [64]
His hermetical views were that sickness and health in the body relied on the harmony of
man the microcosm and Nature the macrocosm. He took an approach different from those
before him, using this analogy not in the manner of soul-purification but in the manner
that humans must have certain balances of minerals in their bodies, and that certain
illnesses of the body had chemical remedies that could cure them. [65] Paracelsian practical
alchemy, especially herbal medicine and plant remedies has since been named spagyric (a
synonym for alchemy from the Greek words meaning to separate and to join together,
based on the Latin alchemic maxim: solve et coagula).[66] Iatrochemistry also refers to the
pharmaceutical applications of alchemy championed by Paracelsus.
John Dee (13 July 1527 December, 1608) followed Agrippa's occult tradition. Though better
known for angel summoning, divination, and his role as astrologer, cryptographer, and
consultant to Queen Elizabeth I, Dee's alchemical[67] Monas Hieroglyphica, written in 1564
was his most popular and influential work. His writing portrayed alchemy as a sort of
terrestrial astronomy in line with the Hermetic axiom As above so below.[68] During the
17th century, a short-lived "supernatural" interpretation of alchemy became popular,
including support by fellows of the Royal Society: Robert Boyle and Elias Ashmole. Proponents of
the supernatural interpretation of alchemy believed that the philosopher's stone might be used
to summon and communicate with angels.[69]

"Alchemist Sendivogius" (15661636) by Jan Matejko, 1867.

Entrepreneurial opportunities were not uncommon for the alchemists of Renaissance

Europe. Alchemists were contracted by the elite for practical purposes related to mining,
medical services, and the production of chemicals, medicines, metals, and gemstones.
[70] Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, in the late 16th century, famously received and sponsored
various alchemists at his court in Prague, including Dee and his associate Edward
Kelley. King James IV of Scotland,[71] Julius, Duke of Brunswick-Lneburg, Henry V, Duke of BrunswickLneburg, Augustus, Elector of Saxony, Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn, and Maurice, Landgrave of HesseKassel all contracted alchemists.[72] John's son Arthur Dee worked as a court physician
to Michael I of Russia and Charles I of England but also compiled the alchemical book Fasciculus
Chemicus.