To turn from the imaginative and visionary writings of Hugh and Hildegard to the more coldly intellectual theology and philosophy of the age, we find in the _Sic et non_ of Abelard the first example of a new method of handling philosophical and theological questions. This so-called didactic method was destined to find its culminating expression in the mighty volumes of Thomas Aquinas. Its essence was to incite discussion by placing in juxtaposition divergent and contradictory Scriptural and patristic texts on the same subject. Abelard did this in the _Sic et non_ without giving interpretations of his own. Peter Lombard (died 1164), who in his _Sententiae_ followed Abelard’s method, usually gave in addition his own views on a subject, though not infrequently the reader was left faced by two or more conflicting theories. It might almost be said that the _Sententiae_ served to standardize the orthodox doctrine of the age. Shortly after Peter Lombard’s death Peter Comestor (the “eater”), at one time dean of the cathedral church in Troyes and lecturer in Paris, produced an extensive treatise entitled _Historia scholastica_. This compilation of commentaries on Scripture enjoyed an immense popularity at a later period, especially towards the close of the thirteenth century.[377] Comestor, like Peter Lombard, represented the more orthodox point of view. THE SCHOOL OF CHARTRES: ITS INTELLECTUAL INDEPENDENCE Unusual intellectual independence was displayed during the twelfth century by the philosophical writers of the school of Chartres[378] and by those who came under their influence. Well known early in the eleventh century, this cathedral school had acquired, in the first half of the twelfth, a European reputation, founded on the boldness and originality of its masters and on the widespread influence which they exerted through their pupils and associates. _Bernard and Theodoric of Chartres_ Two brothers stand out preëminently among them, Bernard and Theodoric (or Thierry). Very little in detail is known about the life of either. Bernard was probably born late in the eleventh century and was chancellor between 1124 and 1126.[379] He enjoyed an immense reputation and was called by John of Salisbury the most perfect Platonist of his century.[380] It seems likely that he died before 1130 and was not the same man as Bernard Sylvester of Tours, with whom he has often been confused.[381]