the Earth and diameter are respectively between 18 and 20 times the Moon’s distance and
diameter, and that the Sun’s diameter to the Earth’s is between 19:3 and 43:6, while the
Earth’s to the Moon’s is between 108:43 and 60:19. The upper and lower ranges are typical
of Hellenistic science. However, they are purely trigonometrical and not based on the
phenomena. In modern discussions, it is sometimes suggested that this exercise should be
regarded as a thought experiment. It may be significant that no known ancient reader ever
said so.
In other matters, Aristarkhos reports views of T and H on eclipses
and the month (POxy 3710). He observed the summer solstice of 280 BCE. V 9.8.1
credits him with a hemispherical sun dial and a level disk sun dial. The work on the phases
of the Moon as described by Vitruuius 9.2.3–4 is fairly trivial, but may reflect more sophisti-
cated work. Aristarkhos appears to have constructed a solar/lunar/eclipse cycle of 2,434
years (C 19.2, as corrected), so that it seems that he added^1 / 1623 day to the
365 1 / 4 day solar year of K.
Ed.: T.L. Heath, Aristarchus of Samos (1913); B. Noack, Aristarch von Samos: Untersuchungen zur Überliefer-
ungsgeschichte (1992).
Neugebauer (1975) esp. 621, 634–643, 697–698; J.L. Berggren and N. Sidoli, “Aristarchus’s On the Sizes
and Distances of the Sun and the Moon: Greek and Arabic Texts,” AHES 61 (2007) 213–254.
Henry Mendell
Aristarkhos of Sikuo ̄n (60 BCE – 60 CE)
Wrote a description of Greece and lands to the north, cited by P 1.ind.5, and used by
the R C, 4.8–11 on Greece, and 4.14 on Dacia – i.e. after 60 BCE.
Cf. H and S.
J. Schnetz, SBAW (1942), # 6, pp. 81–84.
PTK
Aristarkhos of Tarsos (30 – 70 CE?)
Physician to be distinguished from Polyainos’ Aristarkhos (Strateg. 8.50.1.14), a physician
living at Berenike ̄’s court, wife of Antiokhos II Theos (261– 246 BCE). Prior to A-
P. who quotes (in G CMGen 5.1 [13.824.13 K.]) his “multi-purpose pas-
tilles” (trokhiskoi), and (CMLoc 7.5 [13.103.7–104.6 K.]) the formula of “an admirably
potent” antidote called Paulina, with various applications in such conditions as duspnoia
and poisonous and venomous infections; K (CMLoc 5.1 [12.818.3–8 K.]) quotes his
ointment for the treatment of black eyes.
RE 2.1 (1895) 873 (#24), M. Wellmann.
Jean-Marie Jacques
Aristeide ̄s (Mech.) (440 – 400 BCE?)
Pausanias 6.20.14 reports that he improved the hippaphesis of K; Fabricius suggests
he may be the student of the sculptor P.
RE 2.1 (1895) 896 (#28), E. Fabricius
PTK
ARISTEIDE ̄S (MECH.)