 The first impulse to compilations of this nature was given by the Christological controversies that convulsed the Eastern Church during the fifth century.A convenient summary of what the Fathers and most approved theologians had held and taught was wanted.Such a summary, setting forth the views of Nestorius and the mind of the orthodox Fathers, was first laid before the Council of Ephesus, in 431, by St. Cyril of Alexandria.