LODESTONES AND GALLSTONES: THE MAGNETIC IATROCHEMISTRY OF MARTIN LISTER (1639-1712). (cover story)

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  • Author(s): Roos, Anna Marie
  • Source:
    History of Science. Sep2008, Vol. 46 Issue 3, p343-364. 22p. 1 Illustration.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      CHEMISTRY; MAGNETISM; MEDICINE; NATURAL history; MINERALOGY; LISTER, Martin, 1638-1712; PYRITES; PETRIFACTION; GALLSTONES; KIDNEY stones; METALLOGENY
    • Abstract:
      The article demonstrates that by combining studies of chemistry, magnetism, medicine, natural history, and mineralogy, Martin Lister saw the body as a metallic-magnetic entity. His devotion and significant contributions to many fields led him to conceive of the body in an interdisciplinary and unique manner. Lister developed his ideas about pyrites and nitrum calcarium and applied them to science. He argued that there was a relationship between petrifaction in fossil formation and within the body to produce gall and kidney stones, and both had the metallogenesis of iron pyrites at their base. Furthermore, Lister also formulated a theory that magnetism was conceived as a chemical principle.