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Browse the Medical Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

doctrine of signatures

Main Entry:: doc·trine of signatures
Pronunciation:: \ˈdäk-trən-\
Function:: noun

: 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

Learn more about "doctrine of signatures" and related topics at Britannica.com

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