Furthermore, his mind was fallow.

It had lain fallow all his life so far as the abstract thought of the books was concerned, and it was ripe for the sowing.

It had never been jaded by study, and it bit hold of the knowledge in the books with sharp teeth that would not let go.
It seemed to him, by the end of the week, that he had lived centuries, so far behind were the old life and outlook.

But he was baffled by lack of preparation.

He attempted to read books that required years of preliminary specialization.