The New International Encyclopædia/Scott, Michael

SCOTT, or SCOT, Michael (c.1175-c.1234). A famous mediæval scholar, who probably belonged to a family on the Scottish border. He received his education at the universities of Oxford, Paris, Bologna, and Palermo, and spent most of his later life at the Court of the Emperor Frederick II. in Sicily, where he was one of the most famous of the group of scholars collected around that enlightened monarch. He was in high favor with both Honorius III. and Gregory IX., who gave him various benefices, probably in Italy. In 1230 he visited Oxford, taking with him works of Aristotle and various commentaries. There are very few other facts about his life which can be regarded as authentic. Of his printed works, the best known are Liber Physiognomiæ Magistri Michaelis Scoti and Mensa Philosophica, translated into English and frequently printed under the title of The Philosopher's Banquet. In addition he made various translations of Aristotle's works and the Arabic commentaries. He also wrote works on astronomy and alchemy. As was so often the case in the Middle Ages with famous scholars, Michael Scott became known soon after his death as a magician, and as such he has figured extensively in literature. Sir Walter Scott has caused the action of his Lay of the Last Minstrel to centre about the traditional grave of Michael at Melrose Abbey. Consult Brown, Life and Legend of Michael Scot (Edinburgh, 1897).