The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.

ARISTOTELES.

CHAP. I.

His Country, Parents, and time of his Birth.

UPon the death of Plato his Disciples separated themselves into two Sects. The first continu∣ed in the same school, where he taught, the Academy; the other possess'd the Lyceum. The first was known by the generall name of Academicks, ora 1.1 Peripateticks of the Academy; the the other by the generall name of Peripate∣ticks, or more particularly, Peripateticks of the Lyceum. Of the first we have discoursed already; we come now to the other, of which Aristotle was the Head.

b 1.2 Aristotle was born at Stagira, a City of Thrace, according to c 1.3 Herodotus,d 1.4 Thucydides,e 1.5 Pausanias and Suidas, by others placed in Macedonia, to take from him the imputation of a Barbarian. It was seated upon Strymon a River which parts those two Coun∣tries, having a Haven called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and a little Island of the same name belonging to it. This place, to which Aristotle ow'd his birth, he afterwards requited with extraordinary Gratitude.

f 1.6 His Father was named Nicomachus, descended from Nicoma∣chus Son of Machaon (whose skill in Medicine is celebrated by Homer) Son of Aes••ulapius, from whom Nicomachus, Aristotle's Father, derived not only his Pedigree, but his art also, for he was a Physician. Suidas saith, he wrote six Books of Medicine, and one of Physick.g 1.7 Galen alledgeth a Plaister of one Nicomachus; ei∣ther this or the elder. This Nicomachus (h 1.8 whom some affirm to have been grandson to Hipp••crates the Physician) lived in the time of Amyntas King of Macedonia, (Father of Philip) a Prince (as Iustine witnesseth) eminent for all Royall Vertues. To him Nicomachus was not only Physician, but friend and favourite. i 1.9 Tzetzes forgot these relations of Aristotle (as Nunnesius observes) when he affirmed that he was called an Aesculapian figuratively, in respect of his skill in Medicine, though it be true also that hee did professe that Art.

His Mother Laertius and Suidas name Phaestias,k 1.10 Dionysius Hali∣carnassaeus, and Ammonius, Phaestis.l 1.11 Ammonius saith, she also was

descended from Aesculapius, alledging in testimony thereof this Epigram,

His Mother Phaesis, Sire Nicomachus, Descended both from Aesculapius.

But Dionysius Halicarnassaeus saith, she was daughter a Chalci∣dian, one of the Colony which was sent from Chalcis to Stagira. Her Picture, Aristotle, in piety to her memory, caused to be made by Protogenes an eminent Painter of that time, which Picture m 1.12 Pliny reckons amongst the choicest pieces of that Master.

Aristotle (as Suidas affirms) had a Brother named Arimnestus, and Sister Arimneste. His Brother died before him, without issue, as appears by his will.

Aristotle was born, according to the testimonies ofn 1.13 Apollodo∣rus, o 1.14 Dionysius Halicarnassaeus and others, in the first year of the 99^t• Olimpiad, at what time Diotrephes was Archon at Athens, 44. years after the Birth of Plato, asp 1.15 Athenaeus accounts, more justly then Ammonius and Suidas, who reckon but 42. before the birth of Demosthenes, three years.q 1.16 Agellius affirms, he was born the seventh year after the recovery of the City of Rome from the Gaules by Camillus;r 1.17 but because (as Plutarch saith) it is hard to find out on what year the City was taken, it will be hard also to find upon what year it was recovered. The recovery was seven months after its taking, but, in the following year, for it was ta∣ken in Iuly, recover'd in February. If therefore as Valerius Flaccus, Agellius, and Cassius Hemina account, the taking of the City was in the 363^d year from the building thereof, it was recover'd in the 364^th. Thus Aristotle was born in the first year of the 99^th O∣lympiad, the 370^th from the building of Rome.

But, if a Livy affirms, the taking of Rome was in the 365^th year from the building thereof, and its recovery in the 366^th, Aristotle according to that account must have been born in the third year of the 99^th Olympiad, in the 372^d year from the building of the City. Again, if the City were taken, in the 364^th year after the building thereof, and recover'd in the 365^th year, as Varro, Pliny, Dionysius Halicarnassaeus account, whom Scaliger followeth, A∣ristotle must have been born in the second year of the 99^th Olym∣piad, the 371. from the building of the City, reckoning alwaies ten months for a year, and not casting them off, as Pliny and o∣thers seem to do, and beginning immediately the next year, which months being reckoned, the account will agree with ours; hi∣therto Nunnesius.

CHAP. II.

His first Education and Studies.

a 1.18 N Icomachus and Phaestis the Parents of Aristotle being both dead, he was brought up by Proxenus an Atarnean, during which time being yet very young, he learned the Liberall Scien∣ces, as appeareth, saith Ammonius, from those writings of his which partly concern Poetry, partly the Poets themselves, as likewise from his Homericall questions, and severall Books of the Art of Rhetorick.

b 1.19 In gratitude for this care taken by Proxenus in his education, Aristotle afterwards, not only bred up in like manner Nica••or, the Son of Proxenus, in all kinds of Learning, but adopted him his Son, and with his Estate bequeathed his Daughter to him. c 1.20 He likewise caused the Statues of Proxenus and his wife, to be made and set up in honour of them, as is manifest by his Will.

d 1.21 Athenaeus (citing an Epistle of Epicure) ande 1.22 Aelian relate, that having consumed the inheritance left by his Father in prodi∣gality and luxury; he betook himself to the Warres, wherein having ill successe, he profess'd Medicine, and by chance, coming into Plato's School, and hearing their disputes, being of a wit far beyond the rest, he addicted himself to Philosophy, and became famous therin. But this agrees not wel with the circumstances of his story, as related by Authors of greater credit and lesse pre∣judice.

CHAP. III.

How he heard Plato.

a 1.23 HAving attained the age of 17. years, he went (in obedience to the Pythian Oracle, which advised him to addict himself to Philosophy) to Athens, Laertius saith (out of Apollodorus) that he was then but seventeen years old, in which year▪ Nausigenes was Archon; Dionysius Halicar••assaeus saith, it was the year fol∣lowing, at what time Polyzelus was Archon, perhaps it was upon Nausigenes's going out of his Office, whom Polyzelus succeeded. Butb 1.24 Eumenus is much mistaken, who saith, he was thirty years old when hee came first to Plato, perhaps (as Nunnesius con∣jectures) because he had read in Plato, that Dialectick ought not to be studied till the thirtieth year. And no lesse erre Ammonius, (if he be Author of that Life) and Olympiodorus, who affirm, that

Aristotle coming to Athens in the seventeenth year of his age, heard Socrates three years, whereas Socrates was put to death when Laches was Archon, thirty two years before Nausigenes, under whom Aristotle was seventeen years old.

Being recommended to Plato, he became his Disciple, and so continued twenty years, as an Epistle of his to Philip (cited by the old Interpreter of his life) did testifie.

Plato much loved him, and admired his acutenesse of appre∣hension, and diligence in study; for which (c 1.25 Philoponus saith) Plato used to call him the Minde of the Schoole; and whend 1.26 he was not at his Lectures, he would say, The Intellect is not here, or, as Rhodiginus, The Philosopher of truth is absent. And compa∣ring his acutenesse with the dulnesse of Xenocrates, Plato was wont to say,e 1.27 What an horse, and what an asse have I to yoke toge∣ther: Xenocrates needs a spur, Aristotle a bit.

f 1.28 Whilst he lived with Plato, he was extreamly studious, and given to reading, insomuch that Plato called his house, the house of the great Reader, and would often say,g 1.29 Let us go to the great Readers house. This may be confirmed by that great number of antient Authors which are cited in his works. And thoughh 1.30 La∣ertius (either in his own, or Carneades's words) saith, that Ari∣stotle hath thrust in as many sentences of old Authors in his writings, as both Zeno and Chrysippus; yet, every one that is ac∣quainted with the writings of Aristotle, knoweth how judici∣ously and concisely he giveth an account of their opinions, not for ostentation, but disquisition.

Some report there was a great enmity betwixt Plato and Aristotle,i 1.31 which first arose from Plato's dislike of his manner of habit: For, Aristotle wore rich garments, and rich shooes, and contrary to Plato's rule, cut his hair short, and wore rings. He had likewise (say they) a scornfull derision in his look, and te∣nacious contradiction in his discourse, which Plato not appro∣ving, preferred before him Xenocrates, Speusippus, Amyclas, and others, to whom he communicated his Doctrine and many fa∣vours; but repudiated Aristotle, who thereupon,k 1.32 whilst Plato was yet alive, set up a School in opposition to him, in the Lyce∣um: at which ingratitude, ••lato much troubled, said, Aristotle kicks at us as young Colis at the damme that foaled them, when they have sucked their sill, andl 1.33 for that reason, usually called Aristotle the Colt.

m 1.34 They add, that Xenocrates being gone into his Country, and Speusippus not well, Aristotle came into Plato's School with some of his followers, and circumvented him with fallacious argu∣ments, whereupon Plato retired to his own house, and there taught privately, leaving Aristotle in possession of the Schoole, which he kept, till Xenocrates returning, ejected him, and rein∣stated Plato. The chiefe author of this report seemes to have

been Aristoxenus, cited byn 1.35 Eusebius, who aso 1.36 Suidas observes, assoon as Aristotle was dead, cast many aspersions upon him, out of a malitious revenge, because Aristotle preferred Theophra∣stus before him in the succession of the School, notwithstanding that Aristoxenus had gained a great name and credit among the Disciples.

But as Ammonius argues; it is not likely that Aristotle, if he would, could have ejected Plato out of the School, or have ob∣tained licence to erect a new one in opposition to him; for as much as at the same time, Cha••rias and Timotheus, Plato's kins∣men, were in great power, and Generalls of the Athenian for∣ces. Yet, some there are who affirm this, grounding it only on Aristotles contradicting of Plato in many things; to which Ammo∣nius answers, that Aristotle doth not simply contradict Plato▪ but those who misinterpret his writings. For, if he do sometimes contradict Plato, what wonder? seeing that therein he followeth Plato his Author, whose saying it was, that Truth ought to be preferred before all things; as also that saying, Socrates indeed is dear, but Truth most dear: And elsewhere, What Socrates saith, we must not so much regard, as we ought to be solicitous concerning Truth. The same course Aristotle took, if at any time he confuted Plato's assertion, therein obeying him, by fol∣lowing the Truth, and it is observed byp 1.37 some, that he is very sparing in naming him, where he opposeth his doctrine, and that thrice he makes honourable mention of him in hisq 1.38 Rheto∣rick, his Book of the World, (if that be his) and hisr 1.39 Problems.

True therefore it is, (ass 1.40 Apollodorus, Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, but especially Aristotle himselfe, in hist 1.41 Epistle to Philip, af∣firm,) that he was a constant, sedulous hearer of Plato twenty years,u 1.42 unto the thirty seventh of his age, even untill Plato died, and then was so great an honourer of his memory, that in te∣stimony of his extraordinary affection, he erected an Altar to him, bearing this inscription:

x 1.43 This Altar Aristotle's hand did raise To Plato, whom the impious must not praise.

y 1.44 Olympiodorus speaking of the honour which Aristotle gave to his Master, confirmeth it by this argument, that he writ a whole oration in commendation of Plato, wherein he first made a relation of his life, then praised him. He adds, that Aristotle in his Elegies to Eudemus, extolls him thus:

And coming to the fam'd Cecropian Town, In signe of friendship did an Altar raise To him, whom impious persons must not praise: Who straying man to vertue did restore Much by his precept, by example more.

One to the Gods so pious, good to men, No future age must think to see again.

z 1.45 Some affirm, that whilst he lived with Plato, he profess'd Medicine, and kept a shop: but thosea 1.46 Aristocles confutes.

CHAP. IV.

How he lived with Hermias.

a 1.47 P Lato dying in the first year of the 108^th Olympiad, and Speusippus his Nephew succeeding in the School, Aristotle went to Hermias the Eunuch, King of Atarna, a City of Mysia in Asia, who heretofore had been his fellow Disciple under Plato, and had a particular kindness for him. Hermias received him with great testimonies of love and respect. With him he lived three years, [b 1.48 instructing him in Philosophy,] at the end whereof, Hermias was (asc 1.49 Strabo saith) surprised by Memnon, a Rhodian, and sent to Artaxerxes; King of Persia, who put him to death. Pythai•• his sister, a woman of extraordinary vertue, (whom Hermias, having no children, had design'd his heir) being upon this accident reduced to great extremities and afflictions, Ari∣stotle, in a pious gratitude to the memory of his friend, (as his ownd 1.50 Letter to Antipater attesteth) took her to wife, ande 1.51 set up the statue of Hermias in the Temple at Delphi, with this In∣scription.

This man the Persian King against all right A sacrifice to his fierce anger made, Not like a foe by martiall armes in fight; But as a friend by show of love b••tray'd.

He wrote likewise a Hymne to Vertue, in memory of his Friend, to this effect.

Vertue, whom we all obtain With much labour, but more gain, For your sake to dy would please, Toyle and torments were but ease. You direct men in pursuit Of immortall sacred fruit, Richer far then gold refin'd, Soft as sleep, as parents kinde. Great Alcides for your sake Labours vast did undertake.

Leda's valiant twins made known More your glories then their own; Ajax and Achilles too Only dy'd for love of you; Ah! for you Atarna's pride, Hermias untimely dy'd. But his name we will revive; That our Muse shal keep alive, Paying hospitable Jove Pious thanks for a friends love.

There wanted not those who cast many aspersions and calum∣nies upon this Vertuous friendship: some affirm'd that Hermias lov'd Aristotle inordinately (an imputation not well suiting with an Eunuch) and that for this Reason, he gave him Pythais to wife, whom Suidas and the Greek Etymologist affirm to have been his Daughter either by Nature or Adoption, Demetrius Magnesi∣us his Neece, Aristippus his Concubine, so little do they agree in their relation. They adde that Aristotle was so passionately in Love with her, that he sacrificed to her after the same manner; as the Athenians to Ceres at Eleusis. This Laertius relates as done whilst she was alive; But Lyco first Author of this calumny, that it was after her death. Moreover, that Aristotle in a thankfull ac∣knowledgement of his Bounty, wrote a Paean in praise of Hermi∣as, meaning the Hymn last mentioned, whichf 1.52 Athenaeus, proveth against the calumniations of Demophilus not to be a sacred hymne or Paean, but a Scolion or Festivall Song. Hence Theocritus the Chian derides him in this Epigram.

To the slave Eunuch who Atarne swai'd An empty tombe empty Aristotle made, Who from the Academy did retire To wallow in vain pleasures faithless mire.

In answer to these calumnies (first raised by Lyco, dispersed further by Aristippus, and continued by those that maligne the memory of Aristotle) Apellieo writ certain Books, wherein he ac∣curately confutes those who durst in this manner impudently blaspheme (such are his words) the name of Aristotle; so much prejudice and malice being in the accusation, as might easily ar∣gue the falsenesse thereof.

g 1.53 Upon the death of Hermias, Aristotle (h 1.54 and with Xenocrates) fled from Atarna to Mitylene, as Apollodorus and Dionysius Halicar∣nassaeus affirm in the fourth year of the 108. Olympiad, Eubulus being Archon.

CHAP. V.

How he lived with Philip and Alexander.

ABout this time Philip King of Macedonia, Father of Alexan∣der, taking care for the Education of his Son, now growing towards mans estate, and unwilling (saitha 1.55 Plutarch) to com∣mit his Education to Professors of Musick, or any other of the liberall Sciences, as knowing him fit for higher designes, sent to Aristotle the most famous and learned of Philosophers, to come and instruct him.b 1.56 Agellius recites his Epistle, which was to this effect.

Philip to Aristotle, health.

KNow that I have a Son, I render the Gods many thanks; not so much for his birth, as that he was born in your time, for I hope that being educated and instructed by you, he will become worthy both of us, and the Kingdom which he shall inherit.

Aristotle at this request of Philip, went to Macedonia to him, in the 4^th year of the 108. Olympiad, asc 2.1 Apollodorus and Dio••ystus Halicarnassaeus affirm, at what time Alexander was fifteen yeares old.

d 2.2 He lived there infinitely esteem'd and beloved of Philip and O∣lympia his Wife, Alexander's Mother,e 2.3 They caused his Statue to be made and set up in honour of him. Philip had a kindnesse to particular for him that he allo'wd him in manner an equal share in the Government of the Kingdom, which interest, Ammo∣nius saith, he employed to the advantage as well of private per∣sons, as of the publick, as appeareth (saith the Latine Interpre∣ter of his life) by his Epistles to Philip.f 2.4 Plutarch affirm••s, that Phi∣lip as a recompence to Aristotle, reedified the Town where hee was born, Stagira, which he had before laid wast. He likewise assign'd him a School and study, near Mieza a Town of Macedo∣nia not far from thence, where, unto this day (saith Plu••arch) they shew the stony seats and shady walks of Aristotle.

g 2.5 He instructed Alexander in the deepest parts of Learning, not only in Ethick and Politicks, but his most reserved and solid Doctrines call'd Acroatick and Epoptick; never communicated to the Vulgar.

That he taught him likewise the Art of Medicine, Plutarch ar∣gueth, for as much as Alexander was not only exceedingly de∣lighted with the Theory thereof, but practised it successfully up∣on many of his friends, to whom he prescribed Receipts and diets, as appeareth, saith he, by his Epistle.

h 2.6 Perceiving Alexander to be much taken with Homer's Iliads, as conceiving, and calling it the best••••stitution of military Vertue, he took much pains in correcting and restoring the text, and then gave it to Alexander, which copy ••he infinitely prised.

He writ a Book to Alexander, intituled; Of a Kingdom, menti∣oned by Laertius and Ammonius, wherein he instructed him how to rule.

i 2.7 So much did he incline the mind of Alexander to do good••, that he used to say, if any day pass'd wherein he had not con∣ferred some benefit, I have not reign'd to day.

k 2.8 Alexander so much affected him, that he professed he admi∣red and loved him no lesse then his Father, because his Father, he said, only gave him being, but Aristotle well-being.

The love which Philip and Alexander bore him was so great, that Theocritus the Chian cast the same aspersion upon it, as he did on his friendship with Hermias.

In the first year of the 111th Olympiad; Pythodorus being Archon, Philip dyed, and was succeeded by his Son Alexander, whose active spirit, soon after his coming to the Crown, designed an expediti∣on against the King of Persia. Hereupon Aristotle having now lived with Alexander eight years, (though Justine saith but five, which some interpret of the time before Philips death, but not without some violence, for that was above seven) preferring the quiet of a Contemplative life before the troubles of War, took leave of him, returned to Athens, leaving in his room Callisthenes an O∣lynthian, his Kinsman (Son of his Cozen Hero) and Disciple; l 2.9 whom before his departure observing to speak with too much liberty and obstinacy to the King, he reproved in these words,

Son, if thou thus employ thy tongue, Thy thread of life cannot be long.

And so it came to passe not long after upon this occasion. Hermo∣laus Son of Sopolis, a youth of a noble Family that studied Philoso∣phy under Callisthenes, hunting the Wild Bore with Alexander, prevented the King by casting his dart first at him, for which he was by the Kings command punished with many stripes. Trou∣bled at the ignominy thereof, he conspired with Sostratus, Anti∣pater, and some other companions of his to murther Alexander▪ which treason being discovered by Epimenes one of the Conspi∣rators, they were all put to death. Aristobulus and Ptolemaeus Son of Lagus affirms they accused Callisthenes, as him who instigated them to this attempt. Hereupon Callisthenes was put into an iron Cage, and so carried up and down in a miserable fordid conditi∣on, and at last, as Laertius relates (though others otherwise) thrown to Lyons and devoured.

CHAP. VI.

His School and manner of Teaching.

THus Aristotle having lived eight years with Alexander, returned to Athens, asa 2.10 Apollodorus andb 2.11 Dionysius Halicar∣nassaeus affirm, in the second year of the hundred and eleventh Olympiad, Pythodorus being Archon, where he found Xenocrates teaching in the Academy, which place was resigned unto him by Speusippus, in the fourth year of the hundred and ninth Olym∣piad.

Hence it appeareth, thatc 2.12 Hermippus erreth, in affirming, that Xenocrates took upon him the School of Plato, at what time Ari∣stotle was sent by the Athenians on an Embassy to Philip. For as d 2.13 Patricius hath observed, it can no way agree in time, it being certain, as Laertius attests, that Speusippus succeeded Plato in the School in the first year of the hundred and eight Olympiad, im∣mediately upon Plato's death, and continued therein eight years, that is, to the end of the hundred and ninth Olympiad; in the second year of which Olympiad, Aristotle, as we said, went to Philip, not on an Embassy, but upon his invitation to educate Alexander.

Neither is the Author of Aristotles life lesse mistaken, who saith, that upon the death of Speusippus, the Athenians sent to Aristotle, and that both of them, Aristotle and Xenocrates, took upon them Plato's School, Xenocrates in the Academy, Aristotle in the Lyceum. But this errour is easily detected by the same com∣putation; for at the time of Spe••sippus's death, Aristotle was with Alexander, nor did he leave him untill six years after, all which time Xenocrates profess'd Philosophy in the Academy.

e 2.14 The Academy being prepossess'd by Xenocrates, Aristotle made choice of the Lyceum, (f 2.15 a place in the suburbs of Athens, built by Pericles for the exercising of Souldiers.) Here he taught and discoursed of Philosophy, to such as came to him, walking con∣stantly every day till the houre of anointing, which the Greeks usually did before meals, whence he and his followers are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from walking Peripateticks. Others say, he was cal∣led Per••pa••et••ck from walking with Alexander, newly recovered of a sicknesse, in which manner he used to discourse of Philoso∣phy with him.

g 2.16 The number of his auditors encreasing very much, he gave over walking, and taught sitting, saying,

Now to be silent most disgracefull were, And see Xenocrates possesse the chair.

Though Cicero and Quintilian affirm, he used this verse against Isocrates, in emulation of whom, he taught Rhetorick to his Disciples every morning.h 2.17 So many Disciples resorted to him, that he made Lawes in his School, as Xenocrates did in the A••a∣demy, creating Archons that ruled ten daies.

i 2.18 The discourse and doctrine which he delivered to his Dis∣ciples was of two kinds. One he called Exoterick, the other Acro∣atick. Exoterick were those which conduced to Rhetorick, medi∣tation, nice disputes, and the knowledge of civill things. Acro∣atick those in which more remote and subtile Philosophy was handled, and such things as pertain to the contemplation of na∣ture, and Dialectick disceptations. Acroatick Discipline he taught in the Lyceum in the morning, not admitting every one to come and hear them, but those only, of whose wit and prin∣ciples of Learning, and diligence in study, he had before made tryall. His Exoterick Lectures were in the afternoon and even∣ings; these he communicated to all young men without any distinction, calling the latter his evening walk, the former, his morning walk.

CHAP. VII.

His Philosophy.

IN Philosophy (saitha 2.19 Ammonius) he seemeth to have done more then Man, for there is not any part of Philosophy whereof he treated, but he doth it most accurately, and many things he himselfe (such was his sagacity and acutenesse) finding out, com∣pleated and finished.

b 2.20 In Logick it was his invention, that he separated the precepts of Disputation from the things themselves of which we dis∣pute, and taught the manner and reason of disputation. For they who went before, though they could demonstrate, yet they knew not how to make a demonstration; as they who cannot make shooes, but only wear them. Alexander Aphrodisaeus af∣firmes, that he first reduced Syllogismes to Mood and Figure. Philoponus, that he invented all Dialectick Method, whence Theo∣dorus calls him, both inventer and perfecter of Logick, which he indeed in a manner challengeth (but modestly) to himselfe, in the last Chapter of his Elenchs, affirming nothing had been done in that kinde before, but what the Eristicks and Sophists taught. As for the Categories, the invention whereof some as∣cribe to the Pythagoreans, it is much more probable that they were wholly his own; for those books entituled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, under the name of Archytas, from which some conceive Aristotle to have borrowed much, the particulars whereof are instanced by

c 2.21 Patricius, The••istius affirmes, to have been written, not by the Pythagorean (neither hath Laertius made mention of any writings of his, for the Pythagoreans at that time wrote but little, the first that wrote any thing being Philolaus) but by some Pe••ipate∣tick, who thought his work might passe with greater credit, if published in the name of so antient a Philosopher.

In Physick the ••ift essence, whereof celestiall bodies consist, di∣stinct from the foure Elements, is generally ascribed to his in∣vention, only Simplicius citeth the authority of Xenocrates, in his book of the life of Plato, that Plato constituted five simple bo∣dies, Heaven, and the foure Elements asserting they differ no lesse in nature then in figure, for which reason he as∣signed the figure of a Dodecaedron to Heaven, differing from the figure of the foure Elements. But these, as the learned Nunnesius observes, seem to be rather Symbolicall, and Pytha∣goricall, then the true meaning of Plato. For Plato in his Timae∣us expressely averrs, that the Heavens are of their own nature dissolute, but by the divine Will, are kept together, as it were, by a Tye from being dissolved. Xenarchus, a Philosopher, wrote against the fift Essence, introduced by Aristotle, whom Alexander Aphrodisaeus exactly answereth. Theodorus calleth Aristotle, the Perfecter of Physick, adding, ••that only his writings upon that subject were approved by following ages, who rejected whatso∣ever others had written in the same kinde, as appeareth by their losse. What Epicure and others have objected against him as a fault, that he enquired with such diligence into the minute, and mean∣est things of nature, is a sufficient testimony of his excellence and exactnesse in this study.

d 2.22 In Ethick, whereas Polyaenus placed Felicity in externall goods, Plato in those of the soule only, Aristotle placed it chiefly in the soul; but affirmed it to be de••••led and straigh••ned if it want exteriour goods, properly using these terms. For those things which are de••iled have the same beauty within, but their super∣ficies only is hidden; and those which are straightned have the same reall magnitude.

c 2.23 In Metaphysick, which he calleth First-Philosophy, and Wis∣dome, and (as the more antient Philosophers before him) Theolo∣gie, f 2.24 though there be not any invention of his extant, yet, he per∣fectly went through all the parts thereof. For he was not only acquainted, as some falsely imagine, with terrestriall things, and those which belong to this World; but even with those things which are above this World, as may appear from the eight book of his Physick, where he saith, that the first cause is not subject to motion, neither in it sel••e, nor by accident, in which words he declareth, that God is not a body, nor any way passible. And in his 12^th book of Wisdome, or Metaphysicks, he discourseth accu∣rately of God and Intelligences, in a rationall clear way, not in∣••olv'd in Fables, or Pythagoricall Symbols; but, founding his

assertion upon reason and demonstration, as much as the sub∣ject, and human reason alloweth.g 2.25 Patricius labours much to prove that whatsoever he had in this kind excellent, he borrow'd from Hermes Trismegistus. But (h 2.26 as we have already said,) Mr. Casaubon hath fully evin••'d that Book to have been imposed upon the World by some later writer.

What is added by the antient Latine Interpreter concerning Aristotle's sentence of that visuall Hexagonall Pyramid, (whichi 2.27 a learned person hath observed to be chosen as a midle way be∣twixt the sentence of those who made the optick penicill a pyra∣mid of a quadratick base, and those who made it of a Conick fi∣gure,) is very obs••ure, and hardly admits of an Interpretation worthy so great an Author.

CHAP. VIII.

His correspondence with Alexander.

WHilst Aristotle taught Philosophy at Athens, his Disciple Alexander was employed in an Expedition to Asia a∣gainst Darius King of Persia, incited thereunto by the principles of Honour, which were infused into him by Aristotle, particularly from the Presidents of Achilles, Ajax, and other Heroes celebra∣ted by Homer, whose Iliads Aristotle had so c••refully recomm••n∣ded unto him. He began this expedition in the third year of the 11^th Olympiad, at which time Ctesicles was Archon at Athens, im∣mediately after the departure of Aristotle, who (it is probable) came only for this reason from him, as preferring a quiet and stu∣dious life before the troubles of War.

The first thing that Alexander did, was to visit the Tombe of Achilles in the Sigaeum, at the sight whereof he broke forth into these words; O fortunate young man, that hadst a Homer to celebrate thy praise •• for had it not been for his Iliads, addesa 2.28 Cicero, in the same Tombe where Achilles's his body lay, his name also would have been buried. He took with him the Iliads of Homer, corrected by Aristotle, and made it his constant companion, insomuch that hee put it every night with his dagger, under his pillow. And in a Victory over Darius, having taken a Casket of Unguents of ex∣traordinary value amongst the spoiles of Darius, beset with Pearles and precious stones, (asb 2.29 Pliny describes it,) his friends telling him how many uses it might be put to, because Unguents did not become a Souldier; Yes, saith he, it shall serve to keep the Books of Homer, that the most precious work may be kept in the richest case; hence was this correct copy called, as Plutarch saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Whilst he was in Asia, engaged in the Warrs against Darius,

in the midst of his continuall Victories and businesse, hearing that Aristotle had published his Acroatick books of naturall Philo∣sophy, he sent this Letter to him;

d 3.1 Alexander to Aristotle, Health.

YOu have not done well in publishing your Acroatick discourses, for wherein shall we excell others, if this Learning, wheri•• we have been instituted, be made common to all? As for me, I had rather excell others in knowledge then in power. Farewell.

To which Aristotle returned this answer.

e 4.1 Aristotle to Alexander, health.

YOu wrote to me concerning my Acroatick Discourses, that they ought not to have been communicated; but kept secret. Know, that they are made publick, and not publick, for none but they who have heard us can understand them. Farewel.

Thus, notwithstanding Alexander were busied in the Warres, yet he forgot not his Master Aristotle, but kept a friendly corre∣spondence with him. So constant was he in his love to Learning, and particularly so much enflam'd (asf 4.2 Pliny saith) with a curious desire of understanding the natures of living Creatures, that he sent thousands of men, throughout all Asia and Greece to procure all kinds of living Creatures, birds, beasts and fishes, at an ex∣cessive charge;g 4.3 Athenaeus saith, 800. Talents, which according to h 4.4 Budaeus's account is 840000▪ crowns: these men he sent with what they took to Aristotle, that he might not be ignorant of any thing that any Nation afforded; by which information, he composed, as Pliny affirmeth, 50. excellent Volumes, of Li••ing Creatures, of which ten are only left, unlesse we put into the same number, those Books of his which have some near relation to this subject; as Of the going of living Creatures, 1. Of the parts of living Crea∣tures and their causes, 4. Of the Generation of living Creatures, 5. If this were done by Alexander, as Pliny and Athenaeus attest (though i 4.5 Aelian ascribe it to Philip) it must necessarily have been whilst he was in his Asiatick expedition. For Aristotle, as hath been al∣ready proved, staid but a very short time with him after the death of his Father.

Aristotle made the same use of this correspondence with Alex∣ander, as he had done of the Interest he before had with Philip, the advantage not only of particular person, but of whole Cities.

This City of Stagira, the place of his Birth, did acknowledge, which, at the suit of Aristotle, Alexander caused to be reedified,

and repeopled, and restored to its former state, having before by Philip been laid levell with the ground, For, though Plutarch relate this as done in the time of Philip, Laertius, Ammonius, Dion, Chrysostome, Aelian, and others hold▪ that it was done by Alexander, to which Valerius Maximus addes, that it was not long before Aristotles death. In memory of which Benefit, the people of Stagira used to celebrate a yearly Festivall, which they called the Aristotelean Feast, naming the month in which it fell Stagirites.

l 4.6 Erestus likewise, the Country of Theop••rastus, which Ale∣xander determined to punish very severely; by the mediation of Aristotle was pardoned.

That he benefited many particular persons is evident, saith Ammonius, from his Epistles to the King, yet extant, wherein he recommends severall persons to him.

Hence it is manifest, that the Author of his life is mistaken, when he affirmes, that in Alexanders Asiatick expedition, Aristotle accompanyed him to the Brachmanes, where he writ that noble piece of the Lawes and institutions of 255 Cities. That likewise he travelled over all Persia with Alexander, where during the War, Alexander died, and Aristotle returned into his own Country. This relation a∣grees not with the other circumstances of Aristotles life. Alex∣ander died in the fourth year of the hundred and thirteenth Olympiad, two years before Aristotle's departure from Athens.

But as it is apparent, that this mistake proceeded only from ignorance (yet that so great, thatm 4.7 Patricius argues from thence, neither Ammonius not Philoponus to be the Authors of his life) so are there some other errours, which no lesse manifestly ap∣pear to have proceeded from malice, raised, it is likely, by the Authors of the other scandalls and imputations, wherewith they sought to blast his memory.

n 4.8 Some affirm, that Alexander upon the treason of Callisthenes, took a great displeasure against Aristotle, for having recommen∣ded him to him. For though at first, writing to Criterus, Attalus, and Alcetas, immediately upon this accident, he sent them word, that the youths had confessed, the plot proceeded only from themselves, not by the instigation of any other.o 4.9 Yet afterwards, in an Epistle to Antipater, he imputes the same crime to Calli∣sthenes, not without this sharp reflection upon Aristotle: The youths, saith he, were stoned to death by the Macedonians; but, as for the Sophist, I will punish him my selfe, and those who sent him, and those who entertain in their Cities such as are Traitors to me. Here∣upon they interpret the bounty of Alexander to Xenocrates, and favour to Anaximenes, as not proceeding from the magnificence of his disposition,p 4.10 but from the displeasure he had conceived against Aristotle, whom he endeavoured to vex, by obliging his adversaries and aemulators.

Upon this supposed displeasure was grounded another re∣port, thatq 4.11 Aristotle conspiring with Cassander against Alexander, sent him, by Antipater, some of the water of Styx, wherewith he poisoned Alexander. But the Relators hereof differ not a little amongst themselves: Diodorus Siculus and Suidas affirme, that Alexander was poisoned by Cassander son of Antipater; Arianus by Iolla his younger son: Porphyrius saith, that nothing but the horn of an Asse, such as the Asses of Scythia had, would contain the poyson: Iustine and Pausanias, the hoofe of a Horse; Pliny and Arrian of a Mule; Plutarch and Zonaras, of an Asse. They differ no lesse about the place whence the water was fetch'd. Neither indeed can it be expected there should be a better har∣mony amongst the Relators of this Fable, when there is so great dissention, and variety of relations, concerning the occasion and manner of his death. But the most creditable is that of Ephip∣pus (r 4.12 cited by Athenaeus)f 4.13 Orosius,g 4.14 Iustine, and others, who averr, that Alexander died of a Feaver, caused by excesse of drink∣ing.

CHAP. IX.

Vpon what occasion he left Athens, and went to Chalcis.

a 4.15 TWelve years Aristo••le professed Philosophy in the Lyceum, not molested by any; for though his eminence in Learning procured him many Aemulators and enemies, yet, the favour he had with Alexander, whilst he lived, awed them so much, that they durst not make any discovery of the ill will they bore him. No sooner was Alexander dead (according to Di••nysius Ha∣licarnassaeus) but some of them conspired against his life. To which end, Eurymedon, a Priest, or (according to Pha••orinus) Demophilus, accused him of impiety; that he introduced some Phi∣losophicall assertions, contrary to the Religion of the Athenians; that he celebrated Hermias as a God, with a hymne, and had caused his statue to be set up in the Delphian Temple, with an honourable inscrip∣tion. Some affirm hereupon he made an Oration in defence of himselfe, at the Court of Areopa••us, wherein he openly pro∣nounced this verse, made out of two inb 4.16 Homer.

Peares upon pears, and figs on figs grow here;

By 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (figs on figs) reflecting upon the multitude of Sycop••a••ts which sprung up every day in the City. Hence Pha∣vor••nus saith, he was the first Philosopher that pleaded for him∣selfe, and there was an Oration to that purpose went about ma∣ny years after under his name. But, of the truth hereof, Athenae∣us maketh question.

c 4.17 Others affirm, that Aristotle perceiving the conspiracy that was against his life, stole privately out of Athens, and went to Chalcis, where he spent the rest of his daies, returning to his friends, who demanded the reason of his going, this answer, d 4.18 We left Athens, that we might not give the Athenians occasion to commit again the same wickednessee 4.19 they committed against Socrates, that they mi••ht not be guilty of a double crime against Philosophy. To Antipater he wrote the fore-mentioned verse,

Pears upon pears, and figs on figs grow here;

Giving him to understand how dangerous it was for him to live in Athens, since the Athenians were wholly addicted to Syco∣phantisme and calumny. This departure of Aristotle from Athens, Dionysius Halicarn••ssaeus placeth in the second year of the hundred and fourteenth Olympiad, Apollodorus a yeer latter, perhaps lesse rightly.

f 4.20 Being neer sixtie two yeers of age, very sickly, and without hope of living much longer, the whole company of his follow∣ers came to him, and besought him to make choice of a Succes∣sor, whom after his death they might look upon as the perfe∣cter of those studies whereinto he had brought them. There were at that time many excellent Scholars in his School, but especially two, Theophrastus and Menedemus, or rather as Pa∣tricius reads, Eudemus. These excelled the rest in Wit and Lear∣ning. The first was of Lesbos, Eudemus of Rhodes. Aristotle an∣swered them, he would do as they requested, when he saw it convenient. Soon after, the same persons being present who had made this request to him, he complained, the wine which he then drank did not agree with his health, but was unwhol∣some and harsh; and therefore desired they would send for other sorts, both R••odian and Lesbian, saying, he would make use of that which he should finde best for him. They go, seek, finde, bring. Aristotle first calls for the Rhodian, tasts it, a strong wine, saith he, and pleasant: then calls for the Lesbian, which having tasted, both, saith he, are good, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Lesbian is the sweeter; whereby every one understood that his choice was not of the wine, but of his successour, which was Theophrastus of Lesbos, a man of extraordinary sweetnesse in discourse and con∣versation: Whence not long after, assoon as Aristotle was dead, all his Disciples applyed themselves to Theophrastus.

CHAP. X.

His Apophthegms.

a 4.21 OF his Apophthegmes are remembered these.

Being demanded what a man got by lying, he answe∣red, not to be believed when he spoke truth.

Being reproved for giving mony to a wicked man: I, saith he, gave it compassionating, not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the condition; but, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: or as Stobaeus, not to the man, but to humanity.

He used this saying frequently amongst his disciples and friends, the eye rec••ives light from the air, the soul ••rom learning.

Inveighing against the Athenians, he said, They had invented two things, Corn and Law; but made use only of one, the Corn.

He said, The root of learning is bitter, the fruit sweet.

Being demanded what growes old soonest, he answered, a Benefit.

Being demanded what is Hope, he answered, a waking Dream.

Diogenes the Cynick offered him a fig: Aristotle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Diogenes had prepared some sharp saying, in case he should have refused it, took the fig, telling Diogenes, he had lost both his figg and his conceit. Then throwing it up into the aire, and catching it, as boyes use to do, O worthy Dioge••es, said he, and re∣stored it.

He said, to Learning three things are requisite, Nature, Institution, Exercise.

Being told, that one had reviled him: When I am absent, said he, let him beat me too.

He said, Beauty was a better recommendation then any Letter. Others ascribe this to Diogenes, adding, that Ar••stotle called beauty, the gift of a specious ••orm.

He called Socrates a short-liv'd Tyranny; Plato, Natures Pre∣rogative; Theophrastus silent ••raud; Theocri••us, specious hurt; b 4.22 Carneades, a guardlesse Kingdome.

Being demanded what difference there is betwixt the learned and unlearned, he answered, as much as between the living and the dead.

He said, Learning in prosperity is an ornament, in adversity a refuge.

He said, they who educated children well, are more to be honoured, then they who beget them; for these only gave them life, others well-living.

To one, boasting of the greatnesse of his Country: That, saith he, is ••ot to be considered, but whether a man deserve to be of a great Country.

He said, Friends are one soul in two bodies.

He said, some men lived so sparingly as if they were to live alwaies, others so prodigally, as if they were to die to morrow.

To one that asked why we love the company of those that are fair; That, saith he, is a question for a blind man to ask.

Being asked what he had gotten by Philosophy, hee an∣swer'd, to do those things voluntar••ly, which others do for fear of the Law.

Being demanded how Disciples should profit most; he an∣swer'd, if they follow those that are before them, and stay not for those behind them.

To a foolish talker, who after a long Discourse said to him, I am afraid I have been tedious to you; not at all, answer'd he, for I did not mind you.

Being asked how we should behave our selves towards our Friends, he answer'd, as we would have them do towards us.

He said, Iustice is the vertue of giving to every one according to his desert.

He said, Learning was the best provision against old age.

He used, as Phavorinus relate•• in the second of his Commen∣taries, to say frequently, he who hath many friends hath none; which is ••••••••wise extant in the seventh book of his Ethicks.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 said,* 4.23 when things happen not as we would, we must will as they happen.

Seeing a youth very self-conceited,* 4.24 and withall ignorant; young man, saith he, I wish I were what you think your self, and my enemies what you are.

Seeing a young man proud of a fine Cloak,* 4.25 why boast you, saith he, of a Sheeps Fleece?

He said,* 4.26 they who demonstrate plain things, light a candle to see the Sun.

Being reviled by an impudent person; Thou,* 4.27 saith he, who art vers'd to bear all things, speakest them with delight, I who am not used to speak them, take no delight in hearing them.

Being demanded why he who taught others to speak,* 4.28 himselfe held his tongue, a whetstone, saith he, cannot cut, yet it sets an edge upon swords.

Being asked who can keep a secret,* 4.29 He, saith he, that can hold a glowing coal in his mouth.

Seeing a young man very neatly dress'd,* 4.30 are you not asham'd, saith he, when Nature made you a man, to make your self a woman.

A handsome young man,* 4.31 much courted, said to him, If I were hated of the Citizens as you are, I would hang my self; And I, reply'd he, would hang my self if I were lov'd by them as you are.

Being demanded how a man should come to be rich,* 4.32 he an∣swer'd; by being poor in desire.

It repented him of three things;* 4.33 that he had ever committed a se∣cret

to a Woman; that he had rid when he might have gone a foot; that he had lived one day not having his Will made.

CHAP. XI.

His will and Death.

FRom that speech of Aristotle last mentioned, may be gathered how carefull he was to make his Will, but more from the exact form thereof which was thus:

a 4.34 BE all well; but if it happen otherwise, thus Aristo∣tle maketh his Will Be Antipater my sole Executor during the Minority of Nicanor. Let Aristomenes, Timarchus, Hipparchus, Dioteles, (and if he please, and have leisure) Theophrastus, be Guardians of the children & of Herpylis, and all that I leave. I will that my Daughter, assoon as she shall be marriageable be given Nicanor, for Wife. If any thing happen otherwise (which God forbid) before she be married, or, after she be married before she hath any Children, let Nicanor have the ordering of my Sonne, and the disposall of all other things, for his reputation and mine. Let therefore Nicanor take care of the Maid Py∣thais, and my Son Nicomachus, and order their Estates ac∣cording to their condition, as a Father and a Brother. If in the mean time any thing shall happen to Nicanor (which God forbid) either before my Daughter be married, or, if married, before she hath any Children, if he make any Will, as he appointeth, so let it be. Otherwise, if Theophrastus approve of it, let him marry the Maid, and have the same power, that Nicanor should have had. Otherwise let the Estates as well of the Maid as the Boy be disposed with the joint consent of the Guardians, and Antipater, as they shall think fit. Let likewise the Executors of Nicanor take care to remember us and Herpylis, since that she hath been faith∣full to me, and, if she will take a husband, that such a one be given unto her as may be no disparagement unto us. Let them give her out of my Estate, besides what is already

mentioned, a Talent of Silver, three Maid-servants, if shee so please, and the handmaid which she hath, and the boy Pyrrhaeus. And moreover, if she will dwell at Chalcis, let her have that habitation which joyneth to the Garden, if at Stagira, our Patrimoniall seat; which, howsoever Herpy∣lis shall choose, let the Executors furnish it, as they shall think convenient and proper for Herpylis. Let likewise Nicanor take charge of the Boy Mirmax, that he may be re∣stored honourably, as becommeth us, unto his own, with all his goods which we delivered to our Trust. Let likewise Ambracis be a free woman, and have bestowed upon her, at her marriage, fifty Drachmes, and the Girle which she hath. I will likewise that to Thales, be given, besides the Handmaid he hath bought, a thousand Drachmes, and ano∣ther Handmaid. Likewise to Simo, besides that money which he hath already received to buy a Servant; let ano∣ther Servant be bought, or the like Sum be given again, wherewith he may purchase one. As soon as my Daughter shall be married, let Tycho, Philo, Olympias and his Son be free men Of those boyes which served me, let none be sold, but let my Heirs make use of their service, and when they come to age, as they deserve let them be manumitted. Let the Executors take care to those Statues of Nicanor, and his Mother, and Proxenus, which I gave order for to Gryllius, as soon as they are perfected, be set up Let like∣wise the Statue of Arimnestus be set up, that this monu∣ment may remain of him; since he died without Children. I will likewise that the Statue of my Mother be consecrated to Ceres in the Nemaean Temple, or where else shall be thought fitting. Wheresoever my Body is buried by the Ex∣ecutors, thither let the bones of ••ythais, according as she desired, be brought, and laid with mine. Let likewise Nica∣nor, if he continue well in health, dedicate at Stagira, to Ju∣piter Soter, and Minerva Sotira, Statues of Beasts, of stone, of four cubits, in performance of the vow which wee vowed for him.

He died at Chalcis, in the third year of the 114^th Olympiad, Philocles being Archon, in the 63. the great Climactericall year, of his age (not asb 4.35 Eumelus, 70. years old) as appeareth by the computation of Apollodorus and Dionysius Halicarn••ssaeus; thus,

	y.
He came to Athens at	18.
Heard Plato	20.
Lived with Hermias	3.
With Philip and Alexander	8.
Taught in the Lyceum	12.
Lived at Chalcis	2.
in all	63.

The manner of his life is variously related,c 4.36 Strabo, H••sychius Illu∣stris, and from him Suidas relate, that he drunk Hemlock, either being condemn'd thereunto by the Athenians, as Socrates was▪ or to prevent their Judgement.

d 4.37 Iustine Martyr,e 4.38 Gregory Nazianzene,f 4.39 Coelius Rhodoginus, the Greek Etymologist, Nonnus, and oth••rs follow the common report, that a question was propos'd to him of the wonderfull nature of Euripus, an arm of the Sea, coming into Chalcis (as Lucian averr••) which ebbeth and floweth seven times in 24. hours. Not being able to resolve it, he died of shame and anxiety. Some affirm that as he sate on the bank, having considered long upon it, he at last threw himself headlong into the River, saying, si••ce Aristotle could not take Euripus, Euripus take thou Aristotle.

But the Authors of greatest credit,g 4.40 Apollodorus,h 4.41 Dionysius Ha∣licarnassaeus, i 4.42 Ce••sori••us, Laer ius and others affirm, that he died of a pain in his stomach, caused by over-watching, and excesse of study. For Laertius affirms he was a most indefatigable student, and when he went to bed, he held a brazen ball in his hand, that when he fell asleep, the noise of it falling into a Basin set under it for that purpose, might awake him, which Alexan••er his Dis∣ciple imitated. To this pain of the stomach he was very subject, and somtimes asswaged it by applying a bottle of hot oile to his Breast. Notwithst••nding this naturall infirmity of his stomach, saith Censorinus, and the frequent indisposition of a sickly constitution, hee preserved himself a Long time through his Vertue and Temperance, for it is much more strange that he attained the a••e of 63. years, then that he lived no longer.

The Author of the book de Pomo, affirmeth, that when he was dying, he said to his Disciples standing about him, it was not without reason that Homer said, the Gods came down to earth to relieve mankinde.k 4.43 Coelius Rhod••ginus adds from the same Author, that when he felt the pangs of death to come upon him, weeping between griefe and hope, he often repeated these

words, Thou Cause of Causes, have mercy on me: And his Disciples, when they saw he was departing, said, He who receiveth the souls of Philosophers, may ••e take thine likewise, and lay it up in his own Treasury, as the soul o•• a right and perfect man, as we have known thee to be. Of this, there is no testimony more antient, then that of the Author of the book de Pomo, who (as Patricius clearly ob∣serves from his writings) was a Christian.

l 4.44 The Stagirites fetch'd his body from Chalcis to Stagira, where they buried it with much solemnity, building a magnificent Tombe for him, and erecting an Altar to his memory.

CHAP. XII.

His Person and Vertues.

a 4.45 AS concerning his person, he was slender, having little eyes, and a small voice. When he was young, Laertius and Plu∣tarch affirm, he had a great hesitation in his speech.b 4.46 He went in a rich habit, and wore rings: his beard was shaven, his hair cut short; he had a high nose, if we credit the head put up by Ful∣vius Ursinus, found at Rome, at the bottome of the Quirinall hill. He was of a sickly constitution, troubled with a naturall weaknesse of stomack, and frequent indispositions, which he over-mastered by his Temperance.

Saint Hierome affirmeth, he was the Prince of Philosophers, an absolute Prodigie, and great miracle in nature, into whom seemeth to have been infused whatsoever mankinde is capable of.

He was extreamly pious towards God and Man, upon which subject, Fortunius Licetus hath lately written two books.

Eusebius, Cassiodorus, and others affirm, that many persons, emi∣nent for sanctity, especially followers of School-learning, have, through the means of Aristotles Philosophy, been carried on to Inspection into the highest doctrines of true Faith; as, that there is one God, &c.

As concerning his gratitude to men, besides those instances already mentioned to Pro••enus and his sonne, to Hermias and his sister, to his Master Plato, to his own Mother, Brother, and Coun∣try, and infinite others; many Philosophers, whose opinion he takes occasion to alledge, he mentions with their due praise: of which were his Master Plato (of whom we have already spoken) whom, as we have said, he sometimes mentioned honourably, and sometimes concealeth his name, where he preferreth his own opinion. Amongst others, of whom he maketh honourable mention, are observed Democritus, in his first book de Generatione; Diogenes Apolloniates in the same book, Anaxag••ras, in the first of his Metaphysicks.

For that he was very moderate, the Interpreter of his life con∣firmes, instancing in his book of Ca••egorems, where he saith, We ought not to de••ermine any thing hastily, but to consider often, and to doubt o•• e••ery thing, is not unusefull. And again, in his book of Good, We mu•••• remember, being men, not only that we are happy, but that we ought to be able to prove it by firm reason. And again, in his Ethicks to Nicomachus: Man is our friend, Truth our friend; but above all, we ought to honour Truth. And in his Meteorologicks: As concerning th••se, we doub•• of some of them, others we touch superficially. And in the same, not once or twice, but infinite times, Men do happen upon the same opinions, therefore we ought not to be proud of our owne wisdome, in any thing whereof we conceive our selves to be ••he Inven∣tors.

The common report therefore (grounded upon no authority) that he collected the books of the antient Philosophers, and ha∣ving taken out of them what he intended to confute, burnt them, is manifestly false; for any one that reads Cicero, will finde, they were most of them extant in his time.

CHAP. XIII.

His Wives and Children.

HE had two wives, the first Pythais, sister to Hermias, the Eu∣nuch, Tyrant of Atarna, and his adopted heir. Of the scan∣dals that were cast upon him by this marriage, Aristotle fully acquits himselfe in his Epistles to An ipater, where he profes∣seth, that he married her only out of t••e good will which he bore unto Hermias, and out of a compassion, for the great mis∣fortunes that had happened to her Brother; adding, that she was a woman endowed with extraordinary modesty, and all other vertues.

His second wife was named Herpylis, a woman of Stagira, whom Apellico (cited by Eusebius) and (per••aps from him) ••u••∣das affirm, he married after the death of Pythais: With her he lived to his end, as Hermippus, cited by Athenaeus, and ••imothaeus, by Laertius affirm. Timaeus, a profess'd calumniator of Aristotle, saith, she was his Concubine, and that Aristo••le lived with her, following the counsell of Hesiod in his Georgi••ks; from which calumny, Hesiod is fully vindicated by Proclus.

By Herpylis he had one son, asa 4.47 Apellico affirmeth, whom he named after his own Father Nicomachus: To him he dedicated his great Moralls, whichb 4.48 Cicero thinks to have been written by Nicomachus himselfe: For I see not, saith he, why the son might not be like the Father.

c 4.49 This Nicomachus was a disciple of Theophrastus, and much be∣loved

by him; under whom he profited exceedingly in Philoso∣phy, and arrived at much eminence therein. Suidas saith, he writ eight Books of Physick, four of Ethick. Cicero compares him both with his Tutor and Father. Aristocles cited by Eusebius affirmeth he was bred up an Orphan, by Theophrastus, afterwards died young in the Warrs, which relation agrees not with Aristotle's Will, nor with Suidas or Cicero, who averr that he writ Books, out of which Laertius brings a citation, in Eudoxo.

He had a Daughter also called Pythais, who as Sextus Empericus affirmes, was thrice married. First to Nicanor the Stagirite, friend to Aristotle. Secondly, to Procles, who derived his pedigree from Demaratus King of Lacedemonia. By him she had two Sons, Procles, & Demaratus, who studied Philosophy under Theophrastus. Her last husband was Metrodorus, Disciple of Chrysippus the Gnidian, Ma∣ster of Erastratus. By him she had a son named, after her Father, Aristotle. Of this Aristotle there is mention in the Will of Theo∣phrastus, where he is called the Son of Midias, not Metrodorus. Suidas affirmeth, he died before his Grandfather.

CHAP. XIV.

His Disciples and Friends.

THe Disciples of Aristotle were so many and so eminent, that Nicander of Alexandria, wrote an expresse Book upon that subject, which, had it been extant, would doubtlesse have given us an exact account of them, whereas now we must rest satisfied with an imperfect Catalogue.

To omit the three Princes that were his Disciple, Hermias, A∣lexander (of whom already) and Antip••ter, Successor to Alexan∣ander in Macedonia (who amongst other things wrote two books of Epistles, in one whereof he related the death of Aristotle) in the first place is mentioned,

Theophrastus of Eressus a City of Leshos, the most eloquent of his Disciples. Him he appointed to succced him in the School.

Phanias of Eressus also. He wrote many Books often cited by Athenaeus; amongst the rest, Ammonius cites his Categories, Analyticks, and of Interpretation.

Eudemus of Rhodes, esteemed by Aristotle in the second place next to Theophrastus. His life was written by Damias, as Simplici∣us affirmes, who often mentions him. He wrote Analyticks, and a Geometricall History (both cited by Simplicius) and some other Histories cited by Laertius, wherein hee said the Magi were of opinion, that men should rise again after death. He survived Aristotle.

Eudemus of Cyprus, who died in Sicily where he took Dion's part, as appeareth from Plutarch. Aristotle in honour of him, called his Dialogue of the Soul after his name.

Pasicrates, Brother of Eudemus the Rhodian. To him some ascribe the first lesser Book of Metaphysicks, as Philoponus affirmeth.

Theodectes; To him Arist••••le dedicated some Books of Rheto∣rick, mentioned by Valerius Maximus, which hee afterward re∣tracted. Patricius conceives hee was rather a companion then a Disciple of Aristotle, because he mentions him seven times in his Rhetorick, which he is never observed to have done of any Disciple.

Clearchus, of Soli. He wrote many Books often cited by Athe∣••aeus.

Dicaearchus, Son of Phidias of M••ssena in Sicily, a Philosopher, Oratour and Geometri••ian, as Sui••as affirmeth. He is cited by Cicero, mention'd often by Plutarch amongst the best Philo∣p••ers.

Arisloxenus, Son of M••esias a Musician of Tarentum in Italy, who going to Ma••tinia there studied Philosophy and Musick. He heard his Father; and Lamprus an Erythraean, and Xenopholus a Pythagorean, and last of all Aristo••le, whom after his death he calumniated and wronged much, because he had left Theophra∣stus his successour in the School, whereas himimself was in great esteem amongst the Dis••iples. Thus Suidas.

Nicanor, mentioned in his Will.

Philo, who wrote against one Sophocles, who caused the Philo∣sophers to be voted out of Attica.

Plato,* 4.50 the younger, mentioned by Laerti••s and Phil••p••nus.

Socrates* 4.51 a Bithynian, mentioned by La••r••ius.

M••ason, a Phocian, mentioned by Aelian as one of hose who assisted Aristotle in the ejection of Pla••o out of the Academy, Galen likewise mentions him as Author of some m••dicinall writings ascribed to Aristotle.

Phrasidemus, a Phocian, mentioned by Laertius as a Peripatetick Philosopher. It is likely he was a Dis••iple of A••••st••••le, for he was contemporary with Theop••rastus.

Palaephatus, of Abydas, an Historian much beloved of Aristotle.

Callisthenes an Olynthian, Aristotles Sisters Sonne, of whom already.

Hipparchus, a Stagirite; of kin to Aristotle. He wrote, as Suidas affirmeth, o•• the distinctions of Sexes amongst the Gods, of mariage, and the like.

Leo••, a Byzantine, a Peripatetick Philosopher and Sophist. Some a••fir•• he was a Dis••iple of Aristo••les. He was so excessively fat, that coming to Athens, upon an Embassy, the people laught

at him; to whom he said, do you laugh to see me thus fat, I have a wife a great deal 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ yet, when we agree, one bed will hold us both, but when we disagree, not the whole house. The people suspecting him of con••ederacy with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, upon a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his, came in a tumult to his house, whereupon fearing to be stoned, he strangled himselfe.

Aeschrion of Mitylene, a heroick Poet, loved much by Aristotle, as Suidas saith.

Callippus an Athenian, who also heard Plato.

Satyrus, whose books of lives and characters are cited by Athe∣naeus.

Hieronimus the Rhodia••, eminent in Philosophy. That he was Aristotle's disciple is acknowledged by Athenaeus.

Heraclides of Pontus, a great Philologist.

To these add of lesse note, Echecratides a Methymnaean, and Adrastus a Macedonian, both mentioned by Stephanus. Euxithius, mentioned by Plutarch: Clitus a Milesian: Menon the Historian; Di••teles and Timarchus.

CHAP. XV.

His Detractours.

AS the friends and followers of Aristotle were more in num∣ber then those of any other Philosopher, so were also his detractours, of whom having already had occasion to make some mention, we shall not need to give any further account then this of Aristotles, alledged bya 4.52 Eusebius.

How then is it possible, that what Epicure relates of Aristotle can be true, that when he was a young man, he wasted prodi∣gally all the means his father left him, whereby he was necessi∣tated to betake himselfe to the Warres; but therein being un∣fortunate, he set up an Apothecaries shop, and Plato keeping open School, amongst the rest admitted him?

And who will credit Timaeus the Tauromenite, who writes, that being come to riper years, he shut up his poor shop, and gave over his mercenary profession?

Who can be perswaded to believe what Aristoxenus the Mu∣sician saith in the life of Plato, that when he was from home, some strangers rose up, and set up a School in opposition to him? which words some interpret of Aristotle, but erroneously; for Aristoxenus alwaies commendeth Aristotle; [yet Suidas, as we said, averrs the contrary.]

Who does not esteem the Commentaries of Alexinus ridicu∣lous? for he bringeth in Alexander as a youth talking with his Father Philip, sleghting the instructions of Aristotle, but appro∣ving those of Nicagoras, surnamed Hermes.

E••bulides manifestly falsifies in the book he wrote against Aristo••le: For first, he bringeth in some dull Poems as written by others, upon his marriage and affinity with Hermias: then he saith, that he injured Philip, that he was not present with Plato at his death, and that he corrupted his writings.

As for the accusation of Demochares against Philosophers, it is not worth the mention; for he asperseth not only Aristotle, but all the rest; and whosoever looks upon his calumnies, will say they are triviall; for he affirmes, that some Letters of Aristotle's, against the Citty of Athens were intercepted and discovered; that he betrayed his own Country Stagira to the Macedonians; that when Olynthus was taken, he informed Philip upon the sale and ransome of the goods and prisoners, which were the most wealthy of the Olynthians.

No lesse foolishly doth Cephisodorus, disciple of Isocrates, ca∣lumniate him as an effeminate person, and a glutton, with ma∣ny other aspersions of the same kinde.

But of all, the most foolish is that of Lyco, who professed himselfe a Pythagorean, for he saith, that Aristotle sacrificed to his w••fe after she was dead, as the Athenians to Ceres; and that using to bath himselfe in warme oyle, he afterwards sold it; and that when he went to Chalcis, those who bought his goods, found in one bark 75 brasse pots. Indeed neer so many were the first calumniators of Aristotle, from whom sprung up others, some in the same age, others little after, all Sophists, Litigious persons, and Orators; of whose names and bookes no more remains then of their bodies.

As for those who flourished after these, some repeat only what these had said before, and therefore we need not take any notice of them; much lesse of those, who not lighting upon those books, have fram'd some inventions of their own, such as they, who affirm, he had 300 pots, for there was not any Author of that time who made mention thereof, but Lyco, and he saith, there were found only 75 pots.

And not only from computation of time, and from the per∣sons who assert these calumnies, may any man perceive all they say to be but false, but also from this, that not any two of them lay the same thing to his charge, but every one hath a par∣ticular calumny different from the rest. But, if any one of these had been true, Aristotle should have heard of it, not only once from them, but a thousand times.

It is manifest therefore, the same thing befell Aristotle which happened to many others, that as well for the respect and friend∣ship he had with Princes, as for the excellency of his Disserta∣tions, the envy of the Sophists of that age persecuted him. But such as are ingenious ought not to minde calumni••tors, but

those who have praised and imitated him, whom they will finde to fall nothing short of the others, either for number or worth. Hitherto Aristocles.

CAP. XVI.

His writings.

LAertius hath given a large Catalogue of his Writings, as a testimony of his excellency in all kinds of learning. Their Titles, as reduced to their severall heads by Patricius, are these.

LOGICK.

• THe Sophist 1.
• Of Sciences 1.
• Sophistick distinctions 4.
• Of Eristick 2.
• Eristick solutions 4.
• Of Genus and Species 1.
• Of Proprium 1.
• Epichirematick Commentaries 1.
• Instances 1.
• Of those which are said many waies, as according to the propo∣situm 1.
• For Science 1.
• Distinctions 17.
• Diaereticks 1.
• Of interrogation and answer 2.
• Propositions 1.
• Eristick Propositions 4.
• Syllogismes 1.
• First Analyticks 9.
• Second Analyticks 2.
• Of Problems 1.
• Methodicks 8.
• Termes Antetopical 7.
• Syllogismes 2.
• Syllogistick and Termes. 1.
• Ante-Topicks 1.
• Topicks to Termes 1.
• Diaeretick 1.
• Definitions 13
• Argumentations 2.
• Propositions 1.
• Epichiretick Theses 25.
• Methodick 1.
• ...

• Of Speech 1.
• Categories 1.
• Of Interpretation 1.
• In all 123.

PHYSICK.

• OF the Soul 1.
• Of suffering and being passive 1.
• Of Elements 3.
• Of motion 1.
• Theses of the Soul 1.
• Of Nature 3.
• Physick 1.
• Of Animals 9.
• Anatomy 7.
• Anatomick selections 1.
• Of compound Animals 1.
• Upon not Generating 1.
• Of Plants 2.
• Physiognomick 1.
• Signes of Tempest. 1.
• Physicks by Elements 38.
• Perspective Problems 2.
• Of Stone 1.
• In all, 75.

ETHICK.

• OF Iustice 4.
• Of Philosophy 3.
• Politick 2.
• Of Riches 1.
• Of Nobility 1.
• Of Pleasure 1.
• Alexander; or, os Colonies 1.
• Of a Kingdome 1.
• Of Education 1.
• Of Good 3.
• Oeconomick 1.
• Of friendship 1.
• Propositions concerning Vertue 3.
• Of the passions of anger 1.
• Ethicks 4.
• Of the Better 1.
• Of Elegible and Accident 1.
• Of Pleasure 1.
• Of Voluntary 1.
• Of Faire 1.
• ...

• Ami••able Theses, 2.
• Politicks 2.
• Laws 4.
• Constitutive Law 1.
• Politick Auscultation 8.
• Of Iust 2.
• Of Consultation 1.
• Iurisdictions 1.
• Passions 1.
• Governments of Cities 158.
• Proper Democracies,
• Oligarchicks.
• Aristocraticks.
• Tyrannicks.
• In all 217.

METAPHYSICK.

• OF Contraries 1.
• Of Principle 1.
• Of Idaea 1.
• In all 3.

MATHEMATICK.

• MAthematicks 1.
• Of Magnitude 1
• Of Unity 1.
• Astronomick 1.
• Optick 1.
• Of Musick 1.
• Mechanicks 1.
• In all 7.

PHILOLOGICK.

• OF Poets 3.
• Gryllus, of Rhetorick
• Works of Rhetorical art 2.
• Collection of the Theodectick art, 1
• Rhetoricall Enthymemes 1.
• Homericall Difficulties 6.
• Poeticks 1.
• Comparisons 1.
• The Olympionicae 1.
• Phythionick Musick.
• Pythick 1.
• Pythionick Elenchs 1.
• The Dyonysiack Victories 1.
• Of Tragedies 1.
• ...

• Poems, 3. So Hermias, to Democritus, Elegies.
• In all 27.

UNCERTAIN, or EX∣TRAORDINARY.

• NErinthus 1.
• Menexenus 1.
• Erotick 1.
• Symposium 1.
• Protreptick 1.
• Of prayer 1.
• Collection of arts 12.
• Art 1.
• Another art 1.
• Collection. 2.
• Of fabulous living creatures 1.
• Medicine 2.
• Memorialls 1.
• Encyclicks 2.
• Inordinate 12.
• Expounded by their Genus 14.
• Doctrines 1.
• Proverbs 1.
• In all 46.

EPISTLES.

• TO Philip and Alexander 4.
• To Antipater 9.
• To Mentor 1.
• To Aristo 1.
• To Olympias 1.
• To Hephaestion 1.
• To Themistagoras 1.
• To Philoxenus 1.
• In all 19.

AGAINST THE ANCIENT PHILO∣SOPHERS.

• OVt of Plato's Laws 2.
• Out of Plato's Commonwealth 2.
• Out of Timaeus and Archytas their writings 1.
• Problems out of Democritus 2.
• Against Melissus 1.
• Against Alcmaeon 1.
• Against Gorgias 1.
• Against Xenophanes 1.
• Against Zeno 1.
• ...

• Of the Philosophy of Archytas 3.
• Of the Philosophy of Sp••usipppus and Xenocrates 1.
• In all 19.

The Sum of all these Books, excepting the Epistles, is 513. Laer∣tius reckons them to be, near 400. perhaps accounting the seve∣rall Books that are upon the same subject for one. But of these the greatest part is lost, and of many that are extant, the Titles altered; of the extant there are only these:

LOGICK.

• CAtegories 1.
• Of Interpretation 1.
• First Analyticks 2.
• Second Analyticks 2.
• Topicks 8.
• Elenchs 1.

PHYSICK.

• OF natural Auscultation 8.
• Of Heaven 4.
• Of Generation and Corruption 2.
• Of Meteors 4.
• Of the World 1. Suspected.
• Of the Soul 3▪
• Of Sense and Sensibles 1.
• Of memory and Reminiscence 1.
• Of sleep and waking 1.
• Of Dream 1.
• Divination by dreams 1.
• Of the motion of living Creatures 1.
• Of the length and shortnesse of life 1.
• Of youth and age, life and death 1.
• Of Respiration 1.
• Of the going of Animals 1.
• Of Breath 1.
• Of the generation of Animals 5.
• Of the parts of Animals 4.
• The Historie of Animals 10.
• Of Colours 1
• Of Physiognomy 1.
• Sp••rious 2

ETHICK.

• EThick, to Nicomachus 10.
• Great Ethick 2.
• Ethick to Eudemus 7.
• ...

• Of vertues 1.
• Oeconomick 2.
• Poli••ick 8.

METAPHYSICK.

• MEtaphysick 14.
• Of the abstruse part of Divine Wisdom according to
• the Ae••yptians, translated out of Arabick; but sus∣pected
• to be spurious 14.

MATHEMATICKS.

• MAthematick 2.
• Mechanick 1.
• Of insecable lines 1.

PHILOLOGICK.

• RHetorick 3.
• Rhetorick to Alexander 1.
• Poetick 1.

EXTRAORDINARY.

• PRoblems 38.
• Wonders 1.
• Of Zenophanes; Zeno and Gorgias 1.

Besides these, there are many other Books ••ited for his, under these Titles.

• Magick, Laert. Prooem.
• Epitome of Oratours, Laert. Aris••p.
• Of Beanes, Laert. Pythag.
• Of Mixtion, Aristot. de sensu. cap. 3.
• Of Sapors, Arist. de sensu cap. 4.
• Physical History, Arist. de incess Animal. cap. 2.
• Of Nutriment, Arist. de Somno, cap. 3.
• Selection of Contraries, Arist. Metaph. lib. 3. cap. 2.
• Division of Contraries, Arist. Metaph. lib. 10. cap. 3.
• Of Opposites, Simplic. in cap. de Opposit. Comm. 8.
• Collection of Pythagorick Opinions; Simplic. in lib. 2. de Coelo. Com. 4.
• Of Idea's, Alexand. in lib. 1. Metaphy••. Comm. 59. where he cites the fourth Book, though Laertius, but one, as if there were no more.
• Of Enunciation, Alexand. in lib. 4. Metaphys. Com. 25. & 44.
• Of Affirmation, Alexand. in lib. 4. M••••aphys. Com. 62.
• ...

• ... Of Platonick assertions, Plut. contra Colo••.
• Eudemas, Plut. Consol. ad Apollon.
• Of Drunkennesse, Plut. Symposiac. 3. Athenaeus cites the tenth book hereof.
• Animal, or of Fishes, Athen. De••p••. 7.
• Of living Creatures▪ and of things pertaining to living Crea∣••••res, At••en.
• Of the manners of living Creatures, Athen.
• Of Pheasants, Athen.
• Of Consanguinity, Athen.
• Of wonderful luxury, Athen.
• Apologie, Athen.
• Histories, Athen.
• Barbarous Iurisdictions.
• Of Audibles, Porphyr. Comm. in Ptol. M••••s. Proclus in Timaeum Plat.
• The Cohabitant, P••oclus. Proaem. in Repub. Platon.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Macrob. Saturnal. lib. 1.
• Of Nature. Clem. Alexandrin. Strom. lib. 6.

We shall not add the Pepl••s cited by Nicephorus, and the Chriae by Stobaeus, under his name, since it is manifest they belong not to the same Aristotle, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath evinced.

These Books Aristotle gave to Theophrastus, when he made him his successor in the School, as Strab•• affirmeth; adding, that Aristotle was the first, we know of, that made a Library, which the Aegyptian Kings learned of him to do. Theophrastus bequea∣thed all his books to Nelius a Scepsian, who carried them to S••epsis, and dying, left them to his heirs, men of no Learning, who only kept them confusedly locked up: And when they un∣derstood what care was taken by the A••••alick Kings (in whose jurisdiction Scepsis was) to make a Library in Pergamus, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them in a hole under ground [where they continued about 130 years,] by which means they received some injury by the wet and worms. At last, some that were descended from Ari∣sto••l•• and Theophrastus, sold them to Apellico a Te••an, [who, ac∣cording to Athenaeus, was made free of the City of Athens, a person very rich, who, besides many other Libraries, bought this of Aristotle, being himselfe a lover of Peripatetick Philoso∣phy,] for a great summe of mony. This Apellico was more a lover of Books, then of Learning, so that, because they had re∣ceived some injury, he caused them to be transcribed, supplying the defects not rightly, and by that means put them forth full of faults. The antient Peripateticks that succeeded Theophrastus, wanting Books, as having but very few, and those Exoterick, could not treat exactly upon any part of Philosophy. They that lived latter, after that these books were published, had much greater helps to Philosophy, and the imitation of Aristotle, al∣though

by reason of the infinite faults, they were forced to say many things by guesse. Hereunto Rome conduced not a little; for, (soon after the death of Apellico; Sylla taking Athens, in the fourth year of the 173 Olympiad, seised upon his Library, and causing it to be carried to Rome, Tyrannio, a Grammarian, a person studious of Aristotle, ob••ained leave of the Library-Kee∣per to be permitted the use of them) the Book-sellers not ha∣ving good writers, and not comparing well the Copies, it oc∣casion'd many faults, as well in those Books that were at Rome, as in those transcribed and sold into Alexandria, Plutarch adds, that from this Tyrannio, Andronicus the Rhodian had them, who first made them publick, setting forth those volumes, which, saith he, we have.

Thus Strabo and Plutarch; Athenaeus saith, that Nelius sold them to Ptolemaeus Ph••ladelphius, by whom they were translated to Alexandria, where how long they lay hid is uncertain, which Library was afterwards burn'd by Iulius Cesar.

CHAP. XVII.

His Commentatours.

NO sooner were the writings of Aristotle communicated to the world, but they were entertained with generall ap∣probation, which some expressed, by employing themselves in Commenting upon them, whose example was ••ollowed by ma∣ny in all following ages. To omit Pasicrates the Rhodian, brother of Eudemus, who wrote, as Galen affirmeth, upon the book of Categories, we shall name in the first place,

Andronicus the Rhodian; who first published Aristotles writings, put f••rth a Paraphrase or Comment upon the greatest part of them.

Next, his Disciple Boethus, a Sidonian, took much pains in the exposition of Aristotle, whence he is often mentioned honoura∣bly by Ammonius ••nd Simplicius.

Aristo a Coan, Disciple also to Andronicus, asa 4.53 Strabo affirms▪ living in the time of Nicias, Tyrant of Coos, is reckoned by Sim∣plicius amongst the old Commentatours upon Aristotles Catego∣ries.

Nicolaus Damascenus, who lived in the time of Augustus, by whom much loved, is cited by Simplicius and Averroes, as an Expositor of Aristotle.

A••henodorus of Tarsis, a Stoick, who lived also under Augustus, as Plutarch affirms, is cited by Simplicius, as having written up∣on Aristotle's Categories; but, rather by way of confutation then interpretation, as did likewise Alexander Aegeus Nero's Tutor,

mention'd Simplicius; Cornutus, who lived at the same time; ci∣ted by Porphyrius and Simplicius; Lucius and Nicostratus a Macedo∣man, who lived under Antonius.

Sotion of Alexandria, and Achacius, seem to have written upon the Categories, being often cited by Simplicius upon that subject.

Taurus the Ber••••••an, a Platonick Philosopher, living under Anto∣nius, wrote first concerning the difference between the Doctrines of Plato and Aristotle.

Adrastus the Aphrodisaean, wrote a Comment on Aristotle's Ca∣gories, and of his Physicks, and a Book concerning the Method of his Philosophy.

Aspasius, wrote a Comment on all Aristotle's Works, taking par∣ticular care to restore the Text, to which end he is often quoted by Simplicius and Boetius. There is a Comment upon some books of the Ethicks extant under his name.

Herminus, somwhat later, seems to have written upon all, or the greatest part of Aristotle's works, cited by all the Greek Commentatours that are extant, and by Boetius.

Alexander the Aphrodisaean, who lived under Antonius and Se∣verus, wrote upon the Analyticks, Topicks and Elenchs, whence stiled by the latter Interpreters, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Expositor.

Galen, who lived at the same time, wrote three Books upon Aristotle of Interpretation, four Books upon the first of the first Analytick, four upon the second of the first, six upon the first of the second Analytick, five upon the second.

b 4.54 Atticus a Platonick Philosopher, besides seven Books wherein he proved Plato and Aristotle to be of the same Sect, contrary to the assertion of Taurus, he wrote also a Dialogue upon the Cate∣gories extant, seven Books upon the Categories cited by Simplicius, a Comment upon the Book of Interpretation, cited by Boetius. Not to mention what he wrote upon Aristotle de Anima, since it ap∣pears from Suidas, that it was rather by way of opposition then exposition, whichc 4.55 Theodoret likewise confirmes.

Iamblicus of Chalcis in Coelosyria, Master to Iulian the Emperour, wrote in an abstruse way upon the Book of Categories.

Dexippus, by some thought to be sonne of Iamblicus, wrote a Dialogue on the Categories, extant.

Maximus a Byzantine, Disciple of Iamblicus, wrote Commen∣taries on the Categories, and other Books of Aristotle, as Simpli∣cus and Suidas affirm.

Plutarch the younger Son of Nestorius flourishing under Valen∣tinian the first, Gratian and Theodosius the first, according to Suidas and Philoponus, wrote Commentaries upon some Books of Aristotle.

Syrianus, surnamed the great, of Alexandria, a Philosopher, who flourished under Arcadius, Honorius, Theodosius the second, and Valentini••n the second, wrote Commentaries upon Ari∣stotle's

Books of Nature, of Motion, of Heaven, and upon the Cate∣gories, cited by Simplicius and Philoponus. Likewise upon the 2^d. 5. and 6. Book of Metaphysicks, which are extant.

Olympiodorus, an Alexandrian, who derived himself from Am∣mon••us Saccus, and was contemporary to Plutarch and Syrianus, wrote upon Aristotle's Meteors, extant. He was later then that Olympiodorus, who writ upon Plato.

Themistius, living, according to Suidas, under Iulian and Iovi∣nian, wrote a Paraphrase upon Aristotle's Physick, 8. Books; a Pa∣raphrase on the Analyticks, 2. Books; upon his Books of the Soul, 7. Books. Of the scope and title of the Book of Categories, one Book.

Proclus, Disciple of Syrianus, wrote two Books concerning Motions, wherein he made an abstract of Aristotle's second Book of Motion. That he wrote also upon his book of Heaven, and the E∣lements may be conjectured from the frequent citations of Simpli∣cius.

Marinus, who succeeded Proclus in the School, seemeth to have written somthing upon Aristotles Book of the Soul, being of∣ten cited upon that subject by Philoponus.

Ammonius Hermaeus wrote upon Aristotle's Categories, and up∣on his Book of Interpretation, both which are extant; as likewise upon his Books of the Soul, cited by Philoponus.

Damascius, a Platonick Philosopher, Disciple to Ammonius, besides what he wrote in confutation of Aristotle concerning Time, epi∣tomiz'd the four first, and the eight Book of his Physick, and the first Book of Heaven. To these adde

Ph••loponus and Simplicius, and Asclepius, Disciples to Ammonius. Iohannes Damascenus, whose compendium of Aristotles Logick and P••ysick are extant; he lived about the year 770.

Eustathius wrote upon some of the Nicomachian Ethicks; and Eustratius upon his book concerning Demonstration.

Michael Psellus, about the year 800. and Michael Ephesius, upon the parva naturalia.

Magentinus upon the Categories and the book of Interpretation.

Nicephorus Blemmydes, (under Iohannes duca,) upon the Logick and Physick.

Georgius Plachymerius and Theodorus Metochita lived about the year 1080. and wrote Epitoms extant.

Of Arabick Commentatours were Avicenna and Averroes; about the year 1216.

The later writers it wil be unnecessary to mention, there being a Catalogue of them annexed to Aristotles works of the Paris Edi∣tion.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Am••n••n. Sub. finem••comme••••. in pr••am. Por∣phyr.
• b 1.2

  Laert.
• c 1.3

  Polymn.
• d 1.4

  Lib. 4. & ••.
• e 1.5

  Eliac.
• f 1.6

  Laert. ••m••••n.
• g 1.7

  De compos. medicam.
• h 1.8

  Bassus.
• i 1.9

  Chilia ••.
• k 1.10

  Epist. ••d Am∣maum.
• l 1.11

  Vit. Arist. if he were the Author.
• m 1.12

  Lib. 35. cap. 9.
• n 1.13

  Laert.
• o 1.14

  Epist. ad Ammaeum.
• p 1.15

  Deipn. lib.
• q 1.16

  Lib. 17. cap. 21.
• r 1.17

  Nunnes. in vit. Aristot. repeated by Schottus in vit. compar at. A∣rist. & demosth.
• a 1.18

  Ammon.
• b 1.19

  Ammon.
• c 1.20

  Laert. in Testa••, Arist.
• d 1.21

  Deipn. lib. 8.
• e 1.22

  Var. hist. 5. 9.
• a 1.23

  Ammon.
• b 1.24

  Laert.
• c 1.25

  De mundi aternit.
• d 1.26

  Vet. Interp.
• e 1.27

  Laert.
• f 1.28

  Ammon.
• g 1.29

  Interp.
• h 1.30

  Vit. Epic.
• i 1.31

  Aelian. 3. 19.
• k 1.32

  Laert.
• l 1.33

  Aelian. var. hist. 4. 9. Hel∣ladius, apud pho∣tium, in bibli∣oth.
• m 1.34

  Aelian.
• n 1.35

  Fraep. E••ang. lib. 15.
• o 1.36

  In Aristoxeno.
• p 1.37

  Licetus de piet. Aristot.
• q 1.38

  Lib. 1. cap. 15.
• r 1.39

  Probl. 1. ••0.
• s 1.40

  Laert.
• t 1.41

  Vet. Interp.
• u 1.42

  Vet. Interp.
• x 1.43

  Ammon.
• y 1.44

  Comment. in Gorg. ••lat.
• z 1.45

  Athen. deipn. 8. Aelian. 9. 22. &▪ 5. 9.
• a 1.46

  Euseb. prae. par. Evang.
• a 1.47

  Laert. Suid.
• b 1.48

  Suid.
• c 1.49

  Lib. 13.
• d 1.50

  Euseb. cont. Philos.
• e 1.51

  Laert.
• f 1.52

  Deipn. lib. 1••.
• g 1.53

  Laert.
• h 1.54

  Strab. lib. 13.
• a 1.55

  Vit. Alexan••••.
• b 1.56

  Lib. 9. cap. 3.
• c 2.1

  Laert.
• d 2.2

  Ammon.
• e 2.3

  Vet. Interp.
• f 2.4

  Vit. Alexand.
• g 2.5

  Plut.
• h 2.6

  Plut.
• i 2.7

  Vet. Interp.
• k 2.8

  Plut. vit. Alex.
• l 2.9

  Laert.
• a 2.10

  Laert.
• b 2.11

  Epist. ad A••••m.
• c 2.12

  Laert.
• d 2.13

  Discuss. Perip.
• e 2.14

  Laert.
• f 2.15

  Suid.
• g 2.16

  Laert.
• h 2.17

  Laert.
• i 2.18

  Agell. lib. 21. cap. 5.
• a 2.19

  Vit. Ar.
• b 2.20

  Ammon. v••. Ar.
• c 2.21

  Dissertat. Pe∣ripat.
• d 2.22

  Vet. Interpr.
• c 2.23

  Ammon.
• f 2.24

  Ammon.
• g 2.25

  Dissert. ••eri∣pat.
• h 2.26

  In the life of Plato. cap.
• i 2.27

  Nunncus in Vit. Arist.
• a 2.28

  In Licin.
• b 2.29

  Lib. 29.
• d 3.1

  Agell. 20. 5. ••lut. vit. Alex.
• e 4.1

  Agel. 20. 5. Epist. Grac.
• f 4.2

  Lib. 8. 16.
• g 4.3

  Lib. 9.
• h 4.4

  De ••sse. lib. 2. 19.
• i 4.5

  Lib. 4. 19.
• l 4.6

  Ammon.
• m 4.7

  Disser••. Pe∣ripat. 1. 1.
• n 4.8

  Laert.
• o 4.9

  Plut. vi•••• Alex.••
• p 4.10

  Laert.
• q 4.11

  Plut. Alex:
• r 4.12

  D••ipn. 10. 11.
• f 4.13

  Lib. 3. cap. 21.
• g 4.14

  Lib. 12.
• a 4.15

  Laert.
• b 4.16

  Odyss. ••.
• c 4.17

  Laert.
• d 4.18

  Aelian. va••. hist.
• e 4.19

  Origen. contr: Celsum li••. ••.
• f 4.20

  Agell. 13. 6.
• a 4.21

  Laert.
• b 4.22

  Meant per haps of that Carn••ades wh•• was Disci∣ple to Anaxa∣go••as.
• * 4.23

  Stob. ser. 28.
• * 4.24

  Ser. 45.
• * 4.25

  Ibid.
• * 4.26

  Ser. 46.
• * 4.27

  Ser. 101.
• * 4.28

  Ser. 128.
• * 4.29

  Ibid.
• * 4.30

  Ser. 161.
• * 4.31

  Ibid.
• * 4.32

  Serm.
• * 4.33

  Ser. 305.
• a 4.34

  Laert.
• b 4.35

  Laert.
• c 4.36

  Lib. 1.
• d 4.37

  Paraen. ad gent
• e 4.38

  Stelieut. 1.
• f 4.39

  Ant. lect. 19. 8.
• g 4.40

  Laert.
• h 4.41

  Epist. ad Amm.
• i 4.42

  De die. na••ali▪
• k 4.43

  Antiq. lect. ••8. 31.
• l 4.44

  Vet. I••••erp.
• a 4.45

  Laert.
• b 4.46

  Aelian. var. hist.
• a 4.47

  Enseb. praepar. Evang.
• b 4.48

  De ••in. l. 5.
• c 4.49

  Euseb.
• * 4.50

  In Platone.
• * 4.51

  In Socrate.
• a 4.52

  Prepar. E∣vang. lib. 15.
• a 4.53

  Geogr. lib. 14.
• b 4.54

  Suid.
• c 4.55

  Grae. affec. l. 12.