Paracelsus 15th century occultist with sacred Azoth in pommel of sword From The Works of Paracelsus 1550 Paracelsus (November 11 or December 17, 1493 - September 24, 1541) was a famous alchemist, physician, astrologer, and general occultist. Born Theophrast von Hohenheim (full name Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim), he took the name Paracelsus later in life, meaning "superior to Celsus", an early Roman physician.