HELMONT (John Baptist Van), a celebrated Flemish gentleman, was born at Brussels in 1577. He acquired such skill in natural philosophy, physic, and chemistry, that he was accounted a magician, and thrown into the inquisition; but having with difficulty justified himself, as soon as he was released he retired to Holland; where he died in 1644. He published, 1. De magnetica corporum curacione. 2. Februm doctrina inaudita. 3. Ortus medicina. 4. Paradoxa de aquis spadanis; and other works, printed together in one volume folio.