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Albertus Magnus

By Melissa Snell, About.com

Albertus Magnus

Detail of a fresco by Tommaso da Modena, Treviso, Italy, 1352

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This profile of Albertus Magnus is part of
Who's Who in Medieval History

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

Albertus Magnus was also known as:

Albert of Cologne, Albert of Lauingen, and Saint Albert the Great; in German, Sankt Albert der Grosse. Also known as Doctor Universalis (Latin for "Universal Doctor").

Albertus Magnus was noted for:

His breadth and depth of knowledge on all subjects. He was a teacher of and major influence on Thomas Aquinas, he promoted the teachings of Aristotle at the University of Paris, and he completed a monumental compilation of all academic knowledge as it was understood in his time. Albertus Magnus is the only scholar of his era to have earned the appellation "Great" -- a title that was used during his lifetime.

Occupations & Roles in Society:

    Cleric & Monastic
    Philosopher & Theologian
    Saint
    Scientist
    Teacher
    Writer

Places of Residence and Influence:

    Europe: Germany
    Italy
    France

Important Dates:

    Born: c. 1200, in Lauingen an der Donau, Swabia (Germany)
    Died: Nov. 15, 1280 in Cologne

Quotation from Albertus Magnus:

    "The aim of natural science is not simply to accept the statements of others, but to investigate the causes that are at work in nature."
    --De Mineralibus

Biography of Albertus Magnus:

For more about the life and work of this extraordinary scientist, visit your Guide's concise Biography of Albertus Magnus.

More Albertus Magnus Resources:

Biography of Albertus Magnus
Encyclopedia Article about Albertus Magnus
Albertus Magnus in Print
Albertus Magnus on the Web

Philosophy and Theology
Medieval Science & Medicine
Monasticism
Medieval Germany


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