Dictionary.net

A Scottish philosopher of the 13th century. Of his life little is known. His nationality even is in doubt: the Italians and the Spaniards claimed him as their countryman as well as the Scots. His great learning won for him the reputation of being a magician. His acquaintance with Arabic enabled him to translate into Latin the works of Avicenna and Averroes, and the Arabic versions of Aristotle with the commentaries of Averroes. His own writings treat of astrology, alchemy, and the occult sciences in general; among them are treatises "On the Sun and Moon", "On Palmistry", "On Physiognomy and Human Procreation".