Albertus Magnus, who died in 1280, was the most learned scholar of his age. He was active in practically all departments of learning-- theological, philosophical, and scientific. His influence in all these directions was immense, for hundreds of years comparable to that of Aristotle. He wrote on nearly all branches of science, many of his works being the first extensive studies of their subjects. This important 1474 edition from the Belmont Abbey collection appeared two years prior to the publication of "De Mineralibus," featured in the British Museum/Earl's Court exhibit "Printing and the Mind of Man." A complete edition of the collected works of Albertus Magnus did not appear until a set of 21 folio volumes was issued in 1651.[PMM]