In 1527, Paracelsus introduced chemical medicine by challenging traditional medical practices and advocating for the use of minerals and chemicals in treatment. He famously burned existing medical texts, promoting a new approach to healing that emphasized empirical observation and experimentation. Paracelsus's ideas laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology and transformed the field of medicine, moving away from Galenic humoral theory.

Paracelsus's radical break with tradition and mystical-scientific writings influenced the metaphysical poets' interest in alchemy and the microcosm-macrocosm relationship. This provided new imagery for John Donne and others regarding the body and soul, enriching the thematic depth of their poetry.