c. 1193-1280

German Natural Scientist, Philosopher, and Theologian

Although surpassed in philosophy and theology by his humble student, Thomas Aquinas, and perhaps also in natural science by his jealous rival, Roger Bacon, his contemporaries generally recognized Albert von Bollstädt as the greatest mind of the thirteenth century, expert in all known branches of knowledge. Even during his lifetime he was called "Albert the Great" in English, "Albert der Grosse" in German, and "Albertus Magnus" in Latin. Known as the "Universal Doctor" by virtue of the broad scope of his learning, he was canonized a saint in the Roman Catholic Church in 1931 and proclaimed the patron saint of natural scientists in 1941.

Born in Lauingen, Swabia, Germany, the oldest son of the Count of Bollstädt, probably in 1193, but perhaps in 1200 or 1206, he is sometimes called Albert von Lauingen because of his birthplace. After early...