Peter of Apono
Born in 1250, at Apono, near Padua, a philosopher, mathematician, and astrologer of no mean skill. He practised physic in Paris with so great success that he soon became very rich, but his wealth and attainments were annulled by the accusation of sorcery which was brought against him. He was said to receive instruction in the seven liberal arts from seven spirits which he kept in crystal vessels. To him was ascribed also the curious and useful faculty of causing the money he spent to return to his own purse. His downfall was brought about by an act of revenge for which he was called to account by the Inquisition. A neighbour of his had been possessed of a spring of excellent water in his garden, from which he allowed Peter of Apono to drink at will. For some reason or another the permission was withdrawn, and Peter, with the assistance of the Devil, caused the water to leave the garden and flow uselessly in some distant street. Ere the trial was finished the unfortunate physician died, but so bitter were the inquisitors against him that they ordered his bones to be dug up and burned. This public indignity to his memory was averted by some of his friends, who, hearing of the vindictive sentence, secretly removed his remains from the burying-ground where they lay. The inquisitors thereupon satisfied their animosity by burning him in effigy.