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

About this Item

Title: The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.
Author: Stanley, Thomas, 1625-1678.
Publication: London :: Printed for Humphrey Moseley and Thomas Dring :; 1656.
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Subject terms: Philosophy, Ancient -- Early works to 1800.; Philosophy -- History.
Link to this Item: http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A61287.0001.001
Cite this Item: "The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A61287.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 16, 2024.

Pages

Page 100

THEOPHRASTVS.

CHAP. I.

His Country, Parents, Masters.

THEOPHRASTUS succeeded Aristotle, he was born at Erestus, (as* 1.1 Plutarch, Laertius, and others affirme) a Sea-town of Les••os, sea∣ted upon a hill, asa 1.2 Strabo describes it, distant from Sigrium 18 Stadia.

His Father was named Melantes, asb 1.3 Athe∣nodorus affirmeth, according toc 1.4 others, Leo, by profession a Fuller. Theophrastus was first called Tyrtamus. He heard Leucippus in his own Country, afterwards went to Plato, and lastly became an auditor of Aristotle, who changing the roughnesse of his name, called him, as Suidas saith, first Euphra∣stus, afterwards Theophrastus, from the divine eloquence of his speech, wherein (as Cicero,d 1.5 Pliny, Laertius,e 1.6 Strabo, and others aver) he excelled all the rest of his Disciples.

f 1.7 He was likewise so quick of apprehension, that what Plato had said of Aristotle and Xenocrates, Aristotle apply'd to him and Callisthenes. Theophrastus was acute to admiration, ready to ap∣prehend every thing that he taught; Callisthenes was dull: so that one needed a bridle, the other a spur.

CHAP. II.

His Profession of Philosophy, and Disciples.

ARistotle retiring to Chal••is, in the 2^d year of the 114^th Olym∣piad,* 1.8 being importuned by his Disciples to appoint a suc∣cessour, made choice of Theophrastus (as hath been already rela∣ted in the life of Aristotle) who thereupon undertook the go∣vernment of the School, and, Aristotle dying, lived in his Gar∣den, ••Demetrius Phalerius cohabiting with him. This time where∣in Theophrastus flourished, is reckoned byb 1.9 Pliny to be about the 440^th year from the building of Rome;c 1.10 390 years, asd 1.11 Sal∣masius rightly reads, before that time wherein Pliny wrote.

e 1.12 saith, he went at certain houres to the School,

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neatly dressed, and there sitting down, discoursed in such man∣ner, that he omitted no gesture suitable to the argument where∣upon he treated, so that once to expresse a Glutton, he licked his lips.

f 1.13 In the fourth year of the 118^th Olympiad, Xenippus being Archon, Sophocles, son of Amphiclides, procured a Law to be made, forbidding all Philosophers to keep publick Schooles, unlesse such only, as the Senate and people should think fit to license; if any did otherwise, he should be put to death. By this decree, saith Athenaeus, he banished all the Philosophers out of the City, amongst the rest Theophrastus, who the year follow∣ing returned, when as Philo, a Disciple of Aristotle, accused So∣phocles for having done contrary to Law: Whereupon the Athe∣nians revers'd the decree, ••ined Sophocles five Talents, and cal∣led home the Philosophers; by which means, Theophrastus re∣turning, was reinstated in the School.

Laertius saith, there came to hear him 2000 Disciples; Sui∣das saith (if there be no mistake in the number) 4470. of whom were Strato, his Successor, Demetrius Phalereus, Nichomachus son of Aristotle, whom Aristippus saith, he much affected; Erasistratus the Physician, as some affirme, and Menander the Comick Poet.

CHAP. III.

His Vertues and Apophthegmes.

a 1.14 HE was exceeding learned and studious, as Pamphila affir∣meth.

b 1.15 He was very liberall in conferring benefits, and a great cherisher of learning.

c 1.16 He made collections of mony for the conventions of Philo∣sophers, not for luxury, but for temperance, and learned dis∣courses.

d 1.17 He twice freed his Country, being under the oppression of Tyrants.

e 1.18 Cassander son of Antipa••er much esteemed him, and Ptolomy the first wrote Letters to him.

f 1.19 He was so much honoured by the Athenians, that Agnonides accusing him of Impiety, very hardly escaped from being fined himselfe.

a 1.20 Of his Apophthegmes are remembered these. He said, it is more safe trusting to an unbridled horse, then intemperate speech.

b 1.21 To a young man at a Feast silent; If you hold your peace, saith he, because you are foolish, then you are wise; but, if

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you are wise, you do foolishly in holding your peace.

c 1.22 He used to say, of all things that are spent, time is the most precious.

d 1.23 Being demanded, as Aristo saith, what he thought of De∣mosthenes; he answer'd, he is worthy of this City; of Demades; he is above the City.

c 1.24 To Philip Son of Cassander he said, I wonder your eyes do not make musick, the pipe of your nose coming so directly upon them.

f 1.25 To prove that riches are not to be lov'd and admir'd hee in∣stanced Callias, a rich Athenian, and Ismenias a Theban; these saith he, use the same things, as Socrates and Epaminondas.

g 1.26 He said we must not love strangers, to the end we may make tryall of them, but make tryall of them to the end we may love them.

h 1.27 He said the Soul paid a dear rent for her habitation in the body.

i 1.28 He said Falshood raised from Calumny and Envy, endu∣reth a little while, but soon perisheth.

k 1.29 Seeing a young man blush, be of good comfort saith he, that is the complexion of Vertue.

l 1.30 He used to say, stand in awe of thy self, and thou shalt not be ashamed before other.

m 1.31 He said the good need but few Laws, for things are not ac∣commodated to Laws, but, Laws to things.

n 1.32 The envious are more unhappy then others in this respect, that they are troubled not only at their misfortunes, but also at the good fortunes of others.

o 1.33 Being demanded what preserved humane life, he said, bene∣ficence, reward, and punishment.

p 1.34 He said, Honours are to be acquired, not by conversation and favour, but by action.

q 1.35 Being demanded what Love is, he answered, the passion of an idle soul.

r 1.36 He said a woman ought not to be seen her self, nor behold o∣thers richly attired, for both are inticements to dishonesty.

s 1.37 He said, Love is an excessive desire of somthing irrational, the entrance thereof easie, the disingagement difficult.

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CHAP. IV.

His Will and Death.

a 1.38 His Will is thus delivered by Laertius.

BE all well; but if any thing happen otherwise, thus we give order. All those goods which belong to the House, I bequeath to Melantes and Pancreon Sonnes of Leo; Those which are set apart for Hipparchus, I will be thus disposed. First, that the study and Ornaments belong∣ing thereunto be perfected, and if any thing may be added more to beautifie them, that it be done. Next, that the statue of Aristotle be set up in the Temple, and the other Dona∣ries which were before in the Temple. Moreover that the little walk which is near the School be built new, not worse then it was before, and that the Maps of the World be pla∣ced in the lower Walk. That an Altar likewise be built, wanting nothing of perfection and splendor. I will that the statue of Nicomachus as big as the life be finished; it is in Praxitele's hands; let him go on with it. Let it be placed wheresoever they shall think good, who have the disposall of the rest, and are named in my Will. Thus much for the Temple and Donaries. My Land at Stagira I bequeath to Callinus, all my Books to Neleus. The Garden and Walk, and all the houses belonging to the Garden I bequeath to my Friends hereafter named, that they may exercise themselves and study Philosophy therein, for men cannot alwaies be a∣broad. But with condition, that they do not alienate it, nor pretend any propriety thereto, but esteem it a thing sacred in common possession, making use of all things therein as be∣cometh just and loving Friends. The persons to whom I wil that this be in common, are, Hipparchus, Neleus, Strato, Callinus, Demotimus, Demaratus, Callisthenes, Me∣lantes, Pancreon, and Nicippus. Let also Aristotle, sonne of Midias and Pythias, if he desire to study Philosophy,

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partake likewise of the same priviledge, and let the most an∣tient of the Overseers take great care of him, that he be in∣structed as well as is possible in Philosophy. Let us be buri∣ed in that part of the Garden, which they shall think most convenient, not erecting a Monument, or any thing that is sumptuous over our Graves. Thus let all things be ordered according as is said; the Temple, Monument, Garden, and walk repaired; let Pompylus, who dwelleth in them, take charge of them, and of other things as he did heretofore, for whose pains therein, let the Possessors thereof consider him. As for Pompylus and Threpta, who have been long since manumitted, and done us good service, if there be any thing which we have bestowed upon them, or they them∣selves have required, as also the 2000 Drachmes which I appointed to be given to them and Hipparchus, let them firmly possess it all, as I have often expressed to Melantes, & Pancreon, who assented thereunto. Moreover I bestow on them Somatales and the Girle. Of my servants, I manumit Molon, and Cimon, and Parmenon; as for Manes and Callias, when they shall have lived four years in the Gar∣dens, discharging their Office unblamably, I will they be set at liberty. Of the Domestick Vtensills, let the Oversee•• bestow on Pompylus as many as they think fit, and sell the rest. To Demotimus I give Cario, to Neleus, Donax; let Eubius be sold. Let Hipparchus give to Callinus 3000 drachms. And for M••lantes & Fancreon, if we did not look upon Hipparchus, as having heretofore been very beneficial to us, and now quite shipwrack'd in his Fortunes, wee should have appointed him a joint-estate with Melantes and Pancreon. But because I conceive it were not easie for them to be joined in the ordering of one Family with him, and that it would be more to their advantage to receive somthing certain from Hipparchus, for these reasons, let Hippar∣chus give to each of them, Melantes and ••ancreon, a Ta∣lent. Let him likewise duly furnish the Overseers with all charges necessary for the performance of the forementioned

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works; which done, let Hipparchus be free and discharged from all debts and Covenants to me. If any benefit come to Hipparchus from Chalcis on my behalf, let him wholly enjoy it as his own. Be these the Overseers of those things con∣tained in my Will; Hipparchus, Neleus, Strabo, Calli∣nus, Demotimus, Callisthenes, Ctesarchus.

Copies of the Will of Theophrastus, signed with his Ring, are kept; the first by Heg••sias son of Hipparchus. witnesses; Callippus a Pela∣nean; Philomelus, an Euonymean; Lysander an Hybaean; Philion, an Alopecian. The second Olympiodorus hath attested by the same persons. The third is in the hands of Adimantus, delivered to his son Androsthenes. Witnesses, Aimnestus, son of Cleobulus; Lysi∣stratus son of Phidion, a Thasian; Strato, son of Arcesilaus, a Lamp∣sacene; Thesippus, son of Thesippus, of the Potters street; Dioscori∣des, son of Dionysius, an Epicephisian. Thus (saith Laertius) was his Will.

He died old, having lived eighty five years,* 1.39 his spirits being wasted, as Suidas affirmes, with continuall writing; and, upon the marriage of one of his Disciples, giving himselfe some inter∣mission and rest, it occasion'd his end.

As he lay upon his death-bed,* 1.40 Cicero saith, He blamed Nature for giving Harts and Crowes so long life that could do no good thereby, and to Man, who could do most good, so short; whereas if man had been allowed longer time, his life might have been adorned with the perfe∣ction of arts and learning. Thus he complained, that assoon as he came within the view of these, he was taken away.

His Disciples came to him,* 1.41 and asked him if he had any thing to say to them; Nothing; saith he, but that the life of man loseth many pleasures only for glory. When we begin to live, then we die; nothing is more unprofitable then the desire of glory. But be happy, and either give over study, for it is very laborious, or go perseverantly through it, for it is of great glory. The vanity of life is much greater then the benefit thereof. But, I have not time to advise you what to do; do you consider at leisure what is best for you: In saying which words he expired. The whole people of Athens followed his body on foot to the grave.

CHAP. V.

His writings.

HE left many Writings, whereof, saith Laer••ius, because they are full of all kinde of learning, I thought good to give this Catalogue.

Page 106

First Analyticks 3.
Latter Analyticks 7.
Of the Analysis of Syllogisms, 1.
Epitome of Analyticks 1.
Places of Deduction 2.
Agonisticks, concerning the Theory of Eristick argu∣ments.
Of the Senses 1.
To Anaxagoras 1.
Of Anaxagoras 1.
Of Anaximenes 1.
Of Archelaus 1.
Of salt, nitre, allom 1.
Of Combustibles; or, as the other Edition, of things that may be petrified 2.
Of indivisible lines 1.
Of Auscultation 2.
Of Winds 1.
The differences of Vertue 1.
Of a Kingdome 1.
Of the Discipline of a King 1.
Of Lives 3.
Of old age 1.
Of the Astrology of Democritus 1.
Of sublime things 1.
Of Apparitions 1.
Of humor, colour, flesh 1.
Of the Description of the world 1.
Of Man 1.
A collection of the Doctrines of Diogenes 1.
Of Definitions 3.
Erotick 1.
Another of Love 1.
Of Felicity 1.
Of Species 2.
Of the Epilepsie 1.
Of Divine inspiration 1.
Of Empedocles 1.
Epichirems 18.
Instances 3.
Of Voluntary 1.
Epitome of Plato's Commonwealth 2.
Of the diversity of voice in Creatures of the same kinde 1.
Of Subitaneous apparitions 1.
Of biting and blowes 1.
Of Animals that are said to have wisdome 7.
Of those which dwell in dry places 1.
...

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Of those which change colour 1.
Of those which dwell in caves 1.
Of Animals 7.
Of Pleasure according to Aristotle 1.
Of Pleasure, another, 1.
Theses 24.
Of hot and cold 1.
Of dizzinesse and dimnesse 1.
Of Sweat 1.
Of Affirmation and Negation 1.
Callisthenes, or of Griefe 1.
Of Labours 1.
Of Motion 3.
Of Stones 1.
Of Pestilence 1.
Of Fainting 1.
Megarick 1.
Of Melancholy 1.
Of Metals 1.
Of Honey 1.
Of the collections of Metrodorus 1.
Sublime discourses 2.
Of Drunkennesse 1.
Of Lawes alphabetically 24.
Epitome of Lawes 10.
To Definitions 1.
Of Odors 1.
Of Wine and Oyle.
First propositions, 18.
Legislative 3.
Politicks 6.
Politick according to severall occasions 4.
Politick Customes 4.
Of the best Commonwealth 1.
Collection of Problems 5.
Of Proverbs 1.
Of Congelation and Liquefaction 1.
Of Fire 2.
Of Winds 1.
Of the Palsey 1.
Of Suffocation 1.
Of Madnesse 1.
Of Passions 1.
Of Signes 1.
Soph••smes 2.
Of the solution of Syllogism•• 1.
Topicks 2.
...

Page 108

Of punishment 2.
Of Haire 1.
Of Tyranny 1.
Of Water 3.
Of sleep and dreams 1.
Of friendship 3.
Of Ambition 2.
Of Nature 3.
Of Physick 17.
Of the Epitome of Physicks, 2.
Physicks 8.
To Naturall Philosophers, 1.
Of Naturall Histories 10.
Of Naturall Causes 8.
Of Chyles 5.
Of false Pleasure 1.
Of the Soul 1. Thesis
Of undoubted Faith 1.
Of simple dubitations 1.
Harmonicks 1.
Of Vertue, 1.
Occasions or Contradictions 1.
Of Sentence 1.
Of Ridiculous 1.
Meridians 2.
Divisions 2.
Of Differences 1.
Of Injuries 1.
Of Calumny 1.
Of praise 1.
Of Experience 1.
Epistles 3.
Of casuall Animals 1.
Of Selection 1.
Encomiums of the Gods 1.
Of Festivals 1.
Of Prosperity 1.
Of Enthymemes 1.
Of inventions 2.
Morall disputes 1.
Morall descriptions 1.
Of Tumult 1.
Of History 1.
Of the iudgment of Syllo gismes 1.
Of flattery 1.
Of the Sea 1.
To Cassander, of a Kingdome 1.
...

Page 109

Of Comedy 1.
Of Meteors 1.
Of Speech 1.
Collection of words 1.
Solutions 1.
Of Musick 3.
Of Meteors 1.
Megacles 1.
Of Laws 1.
Of things contrary to Law 1.
A Collection of the Doctrines of Xenocrates 1.
Confabulations 1.
Of an Oath 1.
Rhetorical Precepts 1.
Of riches 1.
Of Poësy 1.
Problems, Politick, Ethick, Physick, Erotick 1.
Proverbs 1.
Collection of Problems 1.
Of Physicall Pr••blems 1.
Of Example 1.
Of Proposition and Narration 1.
Of Poësy, another, 1.
Of the wise men 1.
Of Advice 1.
Of Soloecismes 1.
Of the Art of Rhetorick 1.
Of Rhetoricall Arts, 71 kinds.
Of Hypocrisy 1.
Aristotelick, or Theophrastick Commentaries 6.
Naturall Sentences 16.
Epitome of Physicks 1.
Of Gratitude 1.
Ethick-Characters
Of Falshood and Truth 1.
Of the History of Divinity 6.
Of the Gods 3.
Geometricall Histories 4.
Epitome of Aristotle, concerning Animals 6.
Epichirems 2.
Thes••s 3.
Of a Kingdom 2.
Of Causes 1.
Of Democritus 1.
Of Calumny 1.
Of Generation 1.
Of the Prudence and Manners of Animals 1.
...

Page 110

Of Motion 2.
Of Sight 4.
To definitions 2.
Of being Given 1.
Of Greater and Lesser 1.
Of Musick 1.
Of the divine Beatitude 1.
To those of the Academy 1.
Protreptick 1.
How a City may be best inhabited 1.
Commentaries 1.
Of the fiery ebullition in Sicily 1.
Of Things granted 1.
Of the waies of Knowing 1.
Of the Lying Argument 3.
Ante-Topick 1.
To Aeschylus 1.
Astrological History 6.
Arithmeticall Histories of Encrease 1.
Acicharus 1.
Of Iudicial Orations 1.
Epistles concerning Astycreon to Phanias and Nicanor.
Of Piety 1.
Euias 1.
Of opportunities 2.
Of seasonable discourses 1.
Of the Institution of Children 1.
Another, different 1.
Of Institution, or, of Vertues, or, of Temperance 1.
Protreptick 1.
Of numbers 1.
Definitions of syllogistick speech 1.
Of Heaven 1.
Politick 2.
Of Nature 1.
Of Fruits and Animals.

All which, saith Laertius, amount to 1182. Divisions. These Books, as Theophrastus had ordered in his Will, were delivered to Neleus. What afterwards became of them, hath been related in the life of Aristotle

Notes

* 1.1

De exil.

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a 1.2

Lib. 13.

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b 1.3

Laert.

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c 1.4

Suid.

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d 1.5

Fr••s. Lib. 1.

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e 1.6

Lib. 13.

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f 1.7

Laert.

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* 1.8

Laert. Suid.

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b 1.9

Lib. 15. c. 1.

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c 1.10

Plin. 19. 2.

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d 1.11

Exercit. Pli∣nian. pag. 350.

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e 1.12

Athen. lib. 1.

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f 1.13

Laert. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deipn.

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a 1.14

Laert.

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b 1.15

Laert.

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c 1.16

Athen. lib. 5.

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d 1.17

Plut. adv. Colot.

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e 1.18

Laert.

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f 1.19

Laert.

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a 1.20

Laert.

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b 1.21

Laert.

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c 1.22

Laert. Stob.

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d 1.23

Plut. vit. Demost.

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c 1.24

Sy••p. lib. 2.

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f 1.25

Plut. de. Anar.

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g 1.26

Plut. de frat. amor.

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h 1.27

Plut. de sa∣nit. tuend.

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i 1.28

Stob.

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k 1.29

Stob. Ser. 101.

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l 1.30

Ser. 121.

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m 1.31

Ser. 136.

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n 1.32

Ser. 139.

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o 1.33

Ser. 141.

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p 1.34

Ser. 162.

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q 1.35

Ser. 185.

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r 1.36

Ser. 193.

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s 1.37

Ser. 297.

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a 1.38

Laert

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* 1.39

Laert.

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* 1.40

Tuscul. lib. 4.

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* 1.41

Laert.

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

About this Item

Pages

description Page 100

THEOPHRASTVS.

CHAP. I.

His Country, Parents, Masters.

CHAP. II.

His Profession of Philosophy, and Disciples.

description Page 101

CHAP. III.

His Vertues and Apophthegmes.

description Page 102

description Page 103

CHAP. IV.

His Will and Death.

description Page 104

description Page 105