Preface to the First Edition xiii
this is essential or where we^1 propose new solutions to long-standing
problems. Material added by editors to the text of the ancient authors
in order to restore it to its original state is placed inside pointed brackets.
Square brackets are used for short explanatory notes, and to make explicit
what is only implicit in the actual text, and to indicate interpretive
material which goes beyond the bounds of a normally literal translation.
This device is employed in part for the convenience of the reader and
in part as a compensation for the limitations of the translators. Rounded
brackets are used as ordinary punctuation devices.
We have included notes only where necessary to explain an otherwise
unintelligible allusion or reference. The glossary is intended to supply
quick access to definitions of key technical terms. In keeping with the
introductory nature of this text, we have provided no commentary on
the philosophical meaning of the material we translate and, in the intro-
duction, only the briefest overview of the period. Students will of course
need more help with the problems raised. The best source of this is,
we believe, A. A. Long's excellent overview of the period, Hellenistic
Philosophy: Stoics, Epicureans, Sceptics (second edition, University of Cali-
fornia Press, 1986), which contains an up-to-date bibliography of fur-
ther readings.
It remains for us to acknowledge the considerable help given to us by
a number of our friends and colleagues. Arthur Madigan S.J., John Rist,
Gary Rubinstein and others have all made valuable suggestions regarding
appropriate material and the translations. As reader for the Press, Michael
Frede examined with great care a longer version of this book; we are
grateful for his thoroughness and efficiency, which have contributed
immeasurably to the accuracy and readability of our translations. A great
debt is also owed to our colleague Doug Hutchinson, who not only read
an entire draft and made many acute suggestions, but undertook to scour
the back alleys of antiquity in search of relevant and illuminating texts.
He is also responsible for the index, an awe-inspiring task, which he
voluntarily and vigorously accepted. In closing, we should note that even
such generous help from so many hands has not saved us from the
inevitable errors, omissions and inelegant phrasing which remain.
l. Or just as often, Hackett's reader, Michael Frede. We are grateful for his generous
assistance with several very difficult texts.