[Gassendi's concept of seeds between  matter theories and life sciences in the 17th century].
Gassendi's theory of molecules as seeds is not a simple adaptation of the Lucretian idea of semina rerum. It is also strongly influenced by the Renaissance concept of seeds, stemming from Marsilio Ficino's Neoplatonic metaphysical cosmology and developed in Paracelsian natural philosophy. Examining its historical context and its chemical and biological dimensions, the present study reveals the very source of his idea.
Research Fellow. Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine. University College London, UK.
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D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000266:history*; D002621:Chemistry / Q000266:history*; D005602:France; D049670:History, 17th Century; D010686:Philosophy, Medical / Q000266:history*