Saint Albertus Magnus and Natural Philosophy

Saint Albertus Magnus, otherwise known as Albert the Great, Albert of Cologne, and Albert de Lauingen (which he most often signed his name), was among the foremost intellectuals of his time. He is now considered one of four outstanding “high scholastic philosopher-theologians of the age, along with his student St. Thomas Aquinas, and contemporaries St. Bonaventure and Roger Bacon. Albert was a Dominican friar, bishop, physical scientist, teacher, philosopher, theologian, and a most esteemed student of Aristotle’s works. Heavily influenced by Aristotelian doctrine, Albert was a fierce proponent of the peaceful coexistence of science and religion. In the majority of his exhaustive studies he artfully, perhaps even creatively attempted to synthesize his observations of natural physics and spiritual phenomena, and spent most of his time focusing on physical sciences to prove his point. Albert de Lauingen was instrumental in providing a foundation for modern scholarship through his diligent research into the physical sciences, philosophy, theology, and natural philosophy--which the locus of this research paper revolves. Specifically, I will examine Albert’s research of natural philosophy; the components of which are divination and alchemy. I will begin by examining key components of Albert’s life, education, and scholastic efforts, and examine possible reasons for his research in these fields, along with his observations of natural philosophy.
Although the exact year, month, and date are unknown, most accredited authorities claim that Albert was likely born the year 1193 or 1206 at the castle Lauingen, Bavaria. He was born into a house of sufficient means because his father was the Chevalier of the Royal Court otherwise known as the Lord of Boldstadt, although he was of lesser nobility. Like many notable historical figures of the High Middle Ages, not much is known of Albert’s childhood, except that he displayed an aptitude for scholarly ventures at a young age.