Single Idea 22745

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / c. Ultimate substances]

Full Idea

Pherecydes of Syros said that the principle and element of all things is earth.

Gist of Idea

Pherecydes said the first principle and element is earth

Source

report of Pherecydes (fragments/reports [c.600 BCE]) by Sextus Empiricus - Against the Physicists (two books) I.360

Book Reference

Sextus Empiricus: 'Against the Physicists/Against the Ethicists', ed/tr. Bury,R.G. [Harvard Loeb 1997], p.173


A Reaction

Sextus is giving the history, and mentions it before saying that Thales thought it was water. Earth seems a sensible starting point, and I am guessing that Thales was trying to think a bit more deeply than Pherecydes about it.