Sir Theodore Turquet de Mayerne (1573-1654 or 1655) was a Swiss-born physician who treated kings of France and England and advanced the theories of Paracelsus. His influence on the administration of medicine, including the first suggestion of socialized medicine in England, and the standardization of chemical cures, has been widely recognized.His Paracelsian'outlook, which viewed the world as abounding in chemical secrets waiting to be exploited, led him to devise projects to enhance Scottish coal mines, to reopen lead mines in Europe and to monopolize oyster beds. He made chemical and physical experiments, created pigments and cosmetics, introduced calomel to medical use and created black-wash (lotio nigra). While living in Paris he lectured on anatomy and pharmacy and founded a medical practice.