Bernard de Gourdon[69] began teaching medicine in Montpellier in 1285 A. D. He was the author of a treatise which bore the title “_Lilium Medicinae_,” and which enjoyed an unusual degree of popularity for a long period of time. The earliest printed edition appeared in Lyons in 1474 and was followed by several others in 1491, 1550, 1559 and 1574. One of the latest editions is that of Frankfort, 1617. The book was also translated into both French and Spanish. In his description of the seven parts into which the book is divided, the author says, by way of praising his own work: “In the lily there are many different kinds of blossoms and in each one of these there are seven grains of a golden character.” The book treats of fevers, poisonings, abscesses, tumors, wounds and ulcers, of diseases of the liver, spleen, kidneys and bladder, of affections of the eyes, and of numerous other topics. The work as a whole, says Neuburger, lacks depth and thoroughness, and reveals the author to be overfond of employing drugs, especially in combination, and by no means free from a belief in the efficacy of amulets and other supernatural remedies. It contains, however, one or two references to matters of historical interest. For example, in Chapter V., Part III., mention is made of spectacles. So far as now appears, this is the first time that these useful contrivances are referred to in medical literature; and the casual manner in which the author speaks of them suggests the idea that they had already been known for some time. Possibly Roger Bacon, who interested himself in researches in the department of optics and who was a contemporary of Gordonius, may have had something to do with the invention of spectacles.