The life of Philip Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, better known as Paracelsus (1493–1541), the famous physician, alchemist, naturalist and philosopher, is surrounded by countless mysteries, myths and legends. Its place in history has been the subject of heated debate for centuries among doctors, chemists, historians and occultists. Is it true that he could predict the future? How did he manage to cure patients who were considered incurable? Did he know secrets that were inaccessible to modern medicine? How to decipher his works? Why does he still evoke rejection and contempt among some, while admiration and gratitude among others? Who was he - the founder of new methods of medicine or a tramp and drunkard, a magician and a charlatan? The answers to these questions are provided by the book of the chemist, publicist and translator Alexander Tomchin, who for many years was engaged in the production and research of new medicinal substances; he owns over 150 scientific articles and 90 inventions.