c. 1235-1311

A physician who studied at Montpellier and went on to become a medical master (lecturer) there, Arnau believed that observation and experience were more reliable than the untested words of ancient writers. He helped define the medical curriculum at Montpellier, translated a number of important Arabic medical texts, and wrote on medicine and astronomy. His medical services were in demand from royalty and popes. His unusual religious views often got him into trouble, but he was tolerated because of his practical medical skills.