Cordova, Pernando De

Cordova, Pernando de a Spanish scholar, was born in 1422. He distinguished himself by the extent of his knowledge in theology, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, music, and in the languages, as Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Chaldee, and was also familiar with astrology, as well as acquainted with the works of the scholastics, philosophers, and physicians of Europe and the East. He had served with distinction against the Moors, under the colors of the king of Castile, John II, went to Paris, but his great wisdom caused him to be regarded as a sorcerer, and he repaired to Rome, where he found favor with popes Sixtus IV and Alexander VI. He died near the close of the 15th century, having composed a number of works, the more remarkable of which is an introduction to the treatise of Albert the Great, De Animalibus; this was published at Rome for the first time in 1478. Among his productions remaining in MS. we cite a commentary upon the Almagesta of Ptolemy. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.