Chemiatry

/ˌkɛmiˈætri/ noun

Definition

A historical medical theory that sought to explain bodily functions and diseases through chemical processes and reactions.

Etymology

From Greek 'chemeia' (alchemy) + '-atry' (treatment/medical practice). This represents a 16th-17th century medical philosophy that blended early chemistry with medicine.

Kelly Says

Chemiatry was actually on to something—they correctly guessed that chemistry matters for health—but they didn't have nearly enough understanding of how complex it actually is!

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