The First Philosophers of Greece

Abstract

THE histories which we possess and to which we readily turn for information concerning the early science of the ancients have been prepared mainly by two kinds of writers, having in view two different objects. We have on the one hand, works like those of Delambre, or in later times of Mr. Narrien, authors possessing a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical analysis, and who, writing for the benefit of physicists, are most interested in exhibiting the scientific connection existing between the older philosophers and modern science. As an example of the other kind, we may refer to such works as that by Sir G. C. Lewis, whose classical attainments were probably in advance of his knowledge of physics, and who looked upon the writings of the ancients from the point of view of a student of ethics and philosophy. He addressed a wider and less specially educated class, whose interest in his book was perhaps more literary than scientific. Neither method of exhibiting the extent of ancient knowledge is free from objection. In either case the original is liable to be coloured or distorted by the views of the commentator. The modern serious student desires to consult original authorities, and takes but little interest in compilations, however thorough, by authorities, however competent. The work of Mr. Fairbanks will therefore be welcome to that class of students, who are anxious to know what the various authors have said themselves, not merely the interpretation which later writers have put upon these utterances. These original sources of information are too often only to be found in short fragments scattered liberally throughout Greek literature in the form of quotations from the earliest writers, or more or less complete epitomes of the masters' teaching, prepared by later writers. German criticism has been busy with these fragments, determining the relation of these writers to each other as well as to the source of the whole series, in order that we may estimate their relative value. The Greek text of these fragments has been published in numerous short monographs, most of which, however, are not easily accessible, and a competent guide is necessary. This essential service Mr. Fairbanks has rendered to the student by placing the materials ready to his hands. He has, moreover, prepared a carefully constructed text, enriched it by critical notes, and added an English translation. Important passages from Plato and Aristotle bearing on these early writers are also given, so that even the better known authorities gain some illumination. Mr. Fairbanks puts before us all the material for the survey of the history of early Greek thought; we necessarily confine our attention to the physical side.

The First Philosophers of Greece.

An edition and translation of the remaining fragments of the pre-Sokratic philosophers, together with a translation of the more important accounts of their opinions contained in the early epitomes of their works. By Arthur Fairbanks. Pp. vii + 300. (London: Kegan Paul, Trench, and Co., Ltd., 1898.)