Mathematician:Anaximander of Miletus

Mathematician

Greek philosopher who learned the teachings of his master Thales of Miletus.

Succeeded Thales as master, and may have taught Pythagoras.

Possibly the nephew of Thales.

Composed the idea that the earth is freely suspended in space.

Nationality

Greek

History

• Born: 611 BCE in Miletus near Söke, Turkey
• Died: 546 BCE

Writings

• On Nature (Περὶ φύσεως / Perì phúseôs)
• Rotation of the Earth (Γῆς περίοδος / Gễs períodos)
• On Fixed stars (Περὶ τῶν ἀπλανῶν / Perì tỗn aplanỗn)
• The [Celestial] Sphere (Σφαῖρα / Sphaĩra)

Notable Quotes

Whence things have their origin,

Thence also their destruction happens,

According to necessity;

For they give to each other justice and recompense

For their injustice

In conformity with the ordinance of Time.

Sources

• John J. O'Connor and Edmund F. Robertson: "Anaximander of Miletus": MacTutor History of Mathematics archive

• 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {A}.2$: Pythagoras (ca. $\text {580}$ – $\text {500}$ B.C.)