The Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans

Description

This book contains the essential elements of all that has been written on the subject by such men as Iamblichus, Boetius and Nicomachus together with some particulars respecting other numbers, which are not found in the writings of any ancient or modern mathematicians. Also the work concerns itself with the Pythagorean philosophy of numbers, and the development of their mystical and theological arithmetic. In his impressive introduction, Manly P. Hall points out that while too little remains of the system of numerical divination, there are fragments of genuine Pythagorean Arithmetic to be found, in which he held that through the study of mathematics all men are able to commune with the gods. Manly P. Hall continues by showing that Numerology was perfected by Pythagoras as a system of divination. Pythagoras proved the worth of his system by using it successfully. This volume contains three books. Book One opens on the basic principle that Arithmetic has priority over other mathematical disciplines, and proves its theory by diagrams. It also records that the motion of the stars is accompanied with harmonic modulations. Book Two proceeds to show all inequality may be reduced to equality. Book Three shows clearly the manner in which Pythagoreans philosophized about the value of numbers. Thomas Taylor, author of this excellent treatise, was the greatest Platonist of the modern world. Taylor believed the Platonic philosophy was a workable philosophy of life. He dedicated his life to translating the Greek classics. Among his better known works are Aristotle, Plotinus and Euclid. Taylor himself was called “The Modern Plato.”