It contains material by Alexander Polyhistor, possibly direct. He was so productive as a writer that he earned the surname "Polyhistor" (very learned). Zeiler was very productive as an author, meeting the template of the Baroque polyhistor. Due to his contributions he is sometimes referred to as the "Polish Polyhistor". The most direct source of material on Berossus is Josephus, received from Alexander Polyhistor. Reusner is described as a polyhistor of great learning and of gentle character. Alexander Polyhistor, Clement of Alexandria and Eusebius say he was the teacher of Orpheus. Alexander Polyhistor wrote a commentary on her work. "Polyhistor" was taken for the author's name. Use in English of the similar term "polyhistor" dates from the late sixteenth century.