Which historical figure first identified the concept of DOSE in toxicology?

Which historical figure first identified the concept of DOSE in toxicology?

• A. Hippocrates
• B. Pliny the Elder
• C. Paracelsus
• D. Bernardo Ramazzini

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that toxicity depends on the amount of substance exposure. Paracelsus introduced this crucial concept, arguing that every substance can be toxic in the right (or wrong) amount, and that the dose determines the harm. He’s often summarized as saying that all things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dose makes the poison. This shift established the dose–response perspective that underpins modern toxicology and risk assessment. Other historical figures contributed to medicine, natural history, or occupational health, but they did not articulate the dose-based view that defines toxicology.

The idea being tested is that toxicity depends on the amount of substance exposure. Paracelsus introduced this crucial concept, arguing that every substance can be toxic in the right (or wrong) amount, and that the dose determines the harm. He’s often summarized as saying that all things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dose makes the poison. This shift established the dose–response perspective that underpins modern toxicology and risk assessment. Other historical figures contributed to medicine, natural history, or occupational health, but they did not articulate the dose-based view that defines toxicology.