The Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans

by Thomas Taylor

Containing the substance of all that has been written on this subject by Theo of Smyrna, Nicomachus, Iamblichus, and Boetius. Together with some remarkable particulars respecting perfect, amicable, and other number, which are not to be found in the writings of any ancient or modern mathematicians. Likewise, a specimen of the manner in which the Pythagoreans philosophized about number; and a development of their mystical and theological arithmetic.

Genres: Mathematics, History, Philosophy, Metaphysics

248 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1972

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database

Thomas Taylor was an English translator and Neoplatonist, the first to translate into English the complete works of Aristotle and of Plato, as well as the Orphic fragments. He published prolifically for over 50 years.

Reviews

[Peter J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an important work in my opinion. Besides being tremendously intriguing when it showed odd patterns that hint at something more to numbers than the mere assemblages of monads, it also clarified some really key concepts that are found not only in Pythagoric, but Platonic, Aristotelian, and Orphic thought.