Phao ̄n (420 – 350 BCE)
Listed by G, In Hipp. Reg. Acute (15.455 K. = CMG 5.9.1, p. 135), with E,
P, and A, as a putative author of the H C, R
H. Besides Sappho’s ferryman, the name is attested through the 2nd c. BCE
(LGPN).
(*)
PTK
Pharnax (75 – 125 CE?)
Parthian physician. A medical formula derived from his herbarium was considered marvelous
against epathical diseases (G, CMLoc 8.7, 13.204 K.).
Fabricius (1726) 363.
Antonio Panaino
Phasitas (Phaeitas?) of Tenedos (400 – 300 BCE)
Greek physician quoted by the L (12.36–13.9): he thinks that dis-
eases arise from exhalations of humors, if they concentrate inopportunely in some body
parts or from excrements themselves. The name, uncertain, was probably wrongly copied:
Phasitas has been connected to the doctor Phaïdas of
Paphos: W. Peek, Griechische Vers-Inschriften 1 [1955] #902, ca 300 BCE).
U. v. Wilamowitz, “Lesefrüchte,” Hermes 33 (1898) 513–533 at 519.
Daniela Manetti
Pheidias (of Surakousai) (300 – 250 BCE)
Astronomer who estimated the size of the Sun as 12 times the Moon, according to his son
A, Sand-reckoner 1.9.
RE 19.2 (1938) 1918–1919 (#1), W. Kroll.
PTK
Pherekude ̄s of Suros (fl. 544/1 BCE)
Semi-legendary figure, reputed to have taught P, which probably stems
from his influence on Pythagorean theories of the soul. According to Theopompos in
D L, Pherekude ̄s was the first to write about nature and the gods. H
had already written about the gods and T about nature, but Pherekude ̄s’ account is a
fascinating “theo-cosmogony,” a mixture of theogonical and physical speculation. His book,
surviving in fragments, counts as the first prose work of Greek literature, appearing to
predate even A’ book. ( This Pherekude ̄s is distinct from the later homonymous
genealogist from Athens.)
The narrative begins with the existence from eternity of three primary deities: Za ̄s (Zeus),
Khronos (the personification of Time), and Khthonie ̄ (the Earth in its Urform). Khronos,
without a consort, from his own seed produces three elements: fire, breath (or air), and
water. From these elements, deposited, presumably in various mixtures, in five nooks or
PHAO ̄N