Alain De Lille (Lat. Alanus de Insults), a Cistercian scholar, born in 1114, died about 1203. He was called the Universal Doctor, and was one of the most profound savants of the 12th century. He was a philosopher, physician, theologian, poet, and historian, and was appointed to the bishopric either of Auxerre or of Canterbury, which he soon resigned in order to enter the monastery of Citeaux. Five countries dispute the honor of his birth, Germany, Scotland, Spain, Sicily, and Flanders. He himself says he came from Lille in Flanders. He wrote, principally in verse, on alchemy, natural philosophy, doctrinal and moral theology, etc.