SOURCE: "Doctor Universalis," in Albert the Great, Blackfriars Publications, 1948, pp. 59-88.

In the following essay, Albert discusses the accomplishments of Albert the Great as a scientist, philosopher, and theologian, stressing "the universality of his genius" and his vocation as a teacher.

In one of his books Ulrich von Strassburg, who is usually described as St Albert's favourite pupil, says of his master that "he was the wonder and miracle of his age"; and Pius II in his dogmatic letter to the Turks 1464, hails him as one "who was ignorant of nothing, and knew all that was knowable." In his preface—in verse after the fashion of the times—to the first printed edition of the works of the saint, published in 1651, Peter Jammy, the editor, wrote the following lines:

       Cunctis luxisti
 Scriptis praeclarus fuisti;
       Mundo luxisti
 Quia totum scibile scisti.

[You enlightened all men, you were made illustrious...