chemiatric, a.
(kɛmɪˈætrɪk)
[f. med.L. chemiatria, Paracelsian term (f. Gr. χηµία, alchemy, chemistry + ἰατρεία medical treatment) + -ic.]
Relating to a theory of medicine adopted by Paracelsus and others, according to which the conditions and functions of the body in health and in disease were explained by the chemical doctrines of the time; morbid conditions being referred to disturbances of fermentations, effervescence of humours, and such like, and being treated accordingly. (Syd. Soc. Lex.) Also as n. One who held this theory.
Only a term of modern literature; in 16–17th c. chemic, chemical were used.
| 1837–9 Hallam Hist. Lit. iv. viii. §38 Sylvius..is reckoned the founder of what was called the chemiatric school. Ibid. (1847) III. 599 Willis..was a partisan of the chemiatrics. 1881 Westm. Rev. Oct. 409 In the Renaissance, the chemiatric school..said that diseases are derangements of a fermentative process in the body. |