Obs. exc. Hist. [mod.L., archæus (Basil Valentine), f. Gr. ἀρχαῖος original.]
1. The immaterial principle supposed by the Paracelsians to produce and preside over the activities of the animal and vegetable economy; vital force. (It was held that the chief archeus was situated in the stomach, and that subordinate archei regulated the action of other organs.)
1641. French, Distill., vi. (1651), 175. The Archæus, the servant of nature.
1651. Biggs, New Dispens., 183 ¶ 247. The Archeus doth daily dispence … so much bloud to the parts, as may serve for their nutrition.
1797. Pearson, in Phil. Trans., LXXXVIII. 16. The archeus, or vital power, of the bladder.
1848. Hooper, Med. Dict. (ed. 8), 164. The chief Archeus kept watch at the cardiac orifice of the stomach.
2. (See quot.) Also attrib.
1706. Phillips, Archeus … Also, the highest, most exalted and invisible Spirit that can be separated from mixt Bodies.
1798. in Phil. Trans., LXXXVIII. 16. When the archeus spirit of urine meets with a volatile earthy spirit.
