As Claude Frollo had passed through nearly the entire circle of human learning−−positive, exterior, and permissible−−since his youth, he was obliged, unless he came to a halt, ~ubi defuit orbis~, to proceed further and seek other aliments for the insatiable activity of his intelligence. The antique symbol of the serpent biting its tail is, above all, applicable to science.
Comme Claude Frollo avait parcouru dès sa jeunesse le cercle presque entier des connaissances humaines positives, extérieures et licites, force lui fut, à moins de s’arrêter ubi defuit orbis, force lui fut d’aller plus loin et de chercher d’autres aliments à l’activité insatiable de son intelligence.