CHAP. I.
His Country, Parents, Teachers.
a 1.1 MEnedemus was one of those Philosophers that continued the School of Phaedo, which hitherto was called Eleack, but from Menedemus was termed Eretriack: he was an Eretrian, Son of Clisthenes; Clisthenes was of the Family of the Theopropi∣dae; yet though noble by descent, Mechanick by profession and indigent; some affirm he was a maker of Tents (Hesychius Illustris terms him an Architect) adding that he taught both Arts to his son Menedemus, so that when Menedemus wrote a decree, an Alexinian Philosopher reproved him, saying, it becomes not a wise man to frame both Tents and decrees.
Menedemus being sent by the Eretrians with a command of Souldiers, to Megara, went from thence to Athens to hear Plato at the Academy, with whom he was so taken, that he gave over his Military employment.
By Asclepiades a Phlyasian, his intimate friend, he was carried to Stilpo at Megara, whom they both heard; Thence taking a journey to Elis, they met with Anchypillus and Moschus, who be∣longed to the School of Phaedo.
Some affirm he despised Plato and Xenocrates, and Paraebates the Cyrenaean; but admired Stilpo; concerning whom, being deman∣ded his opinion, he only answered that he was free.