Jan van Helmont lived and worked during a unique period of history--the dawn of the scientific revolution. As Europe began to shrug off the old-fashioned superstitions of the Middle Ages, scientists learned how to conduct experiments and make rational observations, rather than believing in religious phenomena to explain the world around them. However, the clash between science and faith eventually caused difficulty for van Helmont. He was interrogated by the notorious Spanish Inquisition for giving scientific explanations for supernatural events.

Born into a noble family, van Helmont became a medical doctor in 1599. He often treated people for free, refusing to profit from the misery of his fellow human beings. In 1609, after extensive travels and medical experience (including treating victims of bubonic ), he turned down several attractive job offers and devoted himself to pure research on the principles of nature.

In many respects, van Helmont followed the teachings of...