[Gilbertus Anglicus and his 'Compendium medicinae'. Working method and organization of knowledge]

Although undoubtedly the name of Gilbertus Anglicus was well known during the middle ages, all data about his biography remain uncertain. His, Compendium medicinae' (ca. 1240), however, is one of the most interesting medieval medical texts. Not only that it is one of the earliest examples of Aristotle's reception in France (at Paris?), it discusses also most of the other medical authorities. The book was read and studied up to the 17th century. The elegant language and the effective construction were the main causes of this great success, which was continued by Ortolf von Baierland, who used the 'Compendium' as a source of his 'Arzneibuch'.