Ocellus Lucanus on the nature of the universe : $b Taurus, the Platonic philosopher, on the eternity of the world. Julius Firmicus Maternus of the thema mundi. Select theorems on the perpetuity of time, by Proclus. — Plato — John Shaqi
Ocellus Lucanus on the nature of the universe : $b Taurus, the Platonic philosopher, on the eternity of the world. Julius Firmicus Maternus of the thema mundi. Select theorems on the perpetuity of time, by Proclus.
Plato · en
[46] Man, says Proclus, is a microcosm, and all such things subsist in
him partially, as the world contains divinely and totally. For there is
an intellect in us which is in energy, and a rational soul proceeding
from the same father, and the same vivific goddess, as the soul of the
universe; also an ethereal vehicle analogous to the heavens, and a
terrestrial body derived from the four elements, and with which likewise
it is co-ordinate. See my Translation of Proclus on the Timæus, vol. i,
p. 4.
ADDITIONAL NOTES.
[b] _Page 50._—Petosiris and Necepso were two of the most ancient
writers of Egyptian astrology, which, in many respects, differs from
that of the Chaldeans. The former of these celebrated men is greatly
applauded by Manetho, who, in his Apotelesmatica, professes to be his
follower, and calls him πολυφιλτατον ανδρα. Petosiris, however, was
much prior to Manetho, as is evident from Athenæus, iii. p. 114, who
says he is mentioned by Aristophanes. He is also noticed by Ptolemy (in
Tetrabiblo) under the appellation ‘of an ancient writer’ (του παλαιου or
του αρχαιου). According to Suidas, he wrote, among other things which
are unfortunately lost, Περι των παρ’ Αιγυπτιοις μυστηριων, _Concerning
the Mysteries of the Egyptians_, the loss of which work must be deeply
regretted by every lover of ancient lore. He is also mentioned by
Juvenal, vi. 580.
“Aptior hora cibo nisi quam dederit Petosiris.”
And in a Greek epigram (in Anthol. lib. ii. cap. 6.) on a certain person
who had predicted his death from the stars, and, in order that the
prediction might not be falsified, hung himself, it is said: αισχυνθεις
Πετοσιριν απηγξατο και μετεωρος θνησκει, &c. i. e.
“Lest Petosiris should incur disgrace,
Himself he strangled from a lofty place.”