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Rh very reserved, and it was with difficulty I gathered much about his opinions; he, however, said, he thought few alchymists possessed 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 describing in detail the opinions of all these noble pioneers of modern science; for I deem it a great mistake, and one almost