Alexander of Aphrodisias: On Aristotle on Coming to Be and Perishing 2.2-5

By Alexander of Aphrodisias

Book Overview

This important commentary by Alexander of Aphrodisias on Aristotle's work on biochemistry was previously lost. However, four chapters of it have been re-identified in an Arabic translation by Emma Gannage and are here translated for the first time. The chapters were preserved in the writings of an eighth-century alchemist, Jabir ibn Hayyan. In addition to preserving an interesting example of very early cross-cultural scientific activity in the Muslim world, the newly discovered material is of philosophical importance: We learn how Alexander attempted to provide a unified theory that would unite Aristotle's chemistry with his elemental physics. As well as an English translation of the text, this volume includes a detailed introduction demonstrating the authenticity of the work and discussing its contribution to our understanding of ancient science.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1472557743
• ISBN13: 9781472557742
• Release Date: April 2014
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"