# The dose makes the poison
The quote “The dose makes the poison” originates from the 16th-century Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus. It suggests that any substance, including harmless ones, can become toxic or poisonous if consumed in sufficient quantity. This concept is fundamental to toxicology and has been widely accepted for centuries.
In essence, the quote emphasizes that the amount or dosage of a substance, rather than its inherent nature, determines its toxicity. This means that even water, which is essential for human life, can become poisonous if ingested in excessive quantities.
Paracelsus’ original phrase, as recorded in his writings, is:
“All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing not a poison.”
This idea has been condensed and popularized as “The dose makes the poison,” serving as a reminder to consider the quantity and concentration of substances when evaluating their potential harm or toxicity.
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npub1fg…27896
2024-09-11 20:39:27
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npub1fguyv0p2whngcfzpdemjpganhmamp6ngwt26q35jcw0p368jmjkqy27896Published at
2024-09-11 20:39:27Event JSON
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"content": "# The dose makes the poison\n\nThe quote “The dose makes the poison” originates from the 16th-century Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus. It suggests that any substance, including harmless ones, can become toxic or poisonous if consumed in sufficient quantity. This concept is fundamental to toxicology and has been widely accepted for centuries.\n\nIn essence, the quote emphasizes that the amount or dosage of a substance, rather than its inherent nature, determines its toxicity. This means that even water, which is essential for human life, can become poisonous if ingested in excessive quantities.\n\nParacelsus’ original phrase, as recorded in his writings, is:\n\n“All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing not a poison.”\n\nThis idea has been condensed and popularized as “The dose makes the poison,” serving as a reminder to consider the quantity and concentration of substances when evaluating their potential harm or toxicity.",
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