Introduction. ige) 
very reserved, and it was with difficulty I 
gathered much about his opinions ; he, how- 
ever, said, he thought few alchymists pos 
sessed a greater knowledge of the art than 
the famous Gebir, with many of whose 
theories he thoroughly coincided. 
Before leaving he introduced me to his 
pupil, Thomas Aquinas, who proved to be a 
most interesting guest. 
In turn came Raymund Lully (1235- 
1315), the great “Doctor Illuminatus” ; 
Arnaldus de Villa Nova; and that splendid 
specimen of an alchymist, the well-known 
Dutchman ‘Isaacus Hollandus.” With the 
last-named I was particularly struck. I found 
him an astute scholar and profound thinker. 
My interview was, of necessity, short ; added 
to which, the space at my command is of 
too limited a nature to allow of my de- 
scribing in detail the opinions of all these 
noble pioneers of modern science; for I 
deem it a great mistake, and one almost 
Biz 
