Abstract

It is well known that Albert the Great was deeply interested in the processes of human generation; several studies related to this topic have been published since H. Balss's book, Albertus Magnus als Zoologe. Our purpose it to draw attention on a few specific questions, mainly treated in De animalibus. Through the famous controversy about female « sperm », we shall esamine Albert's attempt to conciliate opposite theories and his use of observation. What could have only led to ambiguity and vagueness, acts as an intellectual stimulus which enables Doctor universalis to understand how physiological factors coexist, in sexual life, with mental impulse, for instance about such problems as puberty, masturbation, and suitable time for intercourse