Father Kircher taught a philosophy of universal magnetism—an intangible invisible, magnetic power that draws things together. Individual elements might not really be considered magnetic but they all possess a magnetic aspect that attracts one thing to another.

Father Kircher stated that “there is but one magnet in the universe, and from it proceeds the magnetization of everything existing.”

This One Magnet was, of course, God.

All things exist within the universal magnetic fluid.

Kircher also propounded a theory of medicine based on the sympathy and antipathy model of Paracelsus 100 years earlier. In this model, good aspects could be attracted to the patient—and less positive influences could be drawn out of the patient—by placing some element, particle, or metal near or on the body of the patient.