In ancient philosophy, a vital principle or governing force believed to animate matter and direct life, similar to a soul or animating spirit.
From Greek 'arche' (beginning, first principle). This term was especially important in Stoic and alchemical philosophy, where it represented the fundamental organizing principle of the universe.
Archaeus represents how ancient philosophers thought about the question 'what makes something alive?'—they imagined an invisible animating force, kind of like how we now use DNA to explain heredity!
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