doctrine of signatures

noun

doc·​trine of signatures ˈdäk-trən- How to pronounce doctrine of signatures (audio)
: a theory in old natural philosophy: the outward appearance of a body signalizes its special properties (as of magic or healing virtue) and there is a relationship between the outward qualities of a medicinal object and the diseases against which it is effective

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Cite this Entry

“Doctrine of signatures.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/doctrine%20of%20signatures. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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