Archeus

The Archeus (also sometimes spelled Archaeus) is a concept in vitalist philosophy and alchemy, most notably associated with the works of Paracelsus in the 16th century. It refers to a vital principle, an invisible, immaterial force or agent responsible for growth, nutrition, reproduction, and other life processes within a living organism. It is considered the life force itself, the architect of the body and the driver of its natural functions.

Paracelsus described the Archeus as residing in the stomach and intestines, where it separated useful nutrients from waste products. It then orchestrated the distribution of these nutrients throughout the body, maintaining its health and equilibrium. Imbalances or corruption of the Archeus were thought to lead to disease.

The Archeus is not a single, unified entity, but rather a complex of influences arising from the interaction of astral and terrestrial elements. It is susceptible to external influences such as diet, environment, and even emotional states. Therefore, maintaining the health of the Archeus involved living in harmony with nature and employing alchemical remedies.

While Paracelsus's concept of the Archeus was steeped in alchemical and occult beliefs, it can be seen as a precursor to later biological and physiological concepts. It represents an early attempt to understand the underlying forces that govern life, though its reliance on metaphysical principles distinguishes it from modern scientific explanations. The concept contributed to a shift away from purely Galenic medicine towards a more chemically-oriented approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of internal processes and the manipulation of vital forces. The idea of a life force or "vital spark," while ultimately replaced by biochemical explanations, held significant sway in the history of science and medicine.