explain the third principle of the Empiricist “tripod,” the “transition to the similar”
(Gale ̄n Subf. emp. 4). He distinguished the three constitutive parts of the medicine, that
coincide with the Empiricist “tripod” (experience, reports of others and “transition to the
similar”), from its three final parts, that is semiotics, therapeutics and hygiene (Gale ̄n Subf.
emp. 5 – 6).
Ed.: Deichgräber (1930) 214–215 (fragments), 265–266.
RE 5A.2 (1934) 1713–1714, W. Capelle; KP 5.682, F. Kudlien; NP 12/1.308, V. Nutton.
Fabio Stok
Theodore, pupil of Sergius (525 – 545 CE?)
Theodore was a friend and pupil of S Rˇ, with whom he worked on
translating the medical works of G from Greek into Syriac. Some of Sergius’ works
are dedicated to him. The identification of Theodore is not certain. Following a note in
Assemani’s 1725 CE edition of the Catalogue of ‘Abdisˇu of Nisibis (1316 CE), he was trad-
itionally identified with the Theodore who in 540 CE was appointed Nestorian bishop of
Merv (capital of Sassanid Khorasan). Theodore of Merv produced a number of theological
works, including a Solution to Ten Questions of Sergius. Based upon the 9th c. H.unayn’s discus-
sion of Galen’s works, Brock identifies him with the Theodore who was bishop of Karkh
Juddan, on the banks of the Tigris close to where Samarra was to be located.
Brock (1997) 43, 201–204; H. Hugonnard-Roche, “Note sur Sergius de Resaina, Traducteur du Grec
en Syriaque et Commentateur d’Aristote,” in G. Endress and R. Kruk, edd., The Ancient Tradition in
Christian and Islamic Hellenism (1997) 121–143 at 124 (n. 13).
Siam Bhayro
Theodo ̄re ̄tos (30 BCE – 300 CE?)
Credited with two antidote formulae: one in MS Berolinensis Phill. gr. 1571 (16th c.) and the
other in MS Bodleianus Barroc. 150 (15th c.). The latter is made of 11 vegetal ingredients
(dodder [epithumon], spikenard, clove-tree [kariophullon], rush [skhoinos], Pontic rhubarb,
shelf-fungus, balsam, balsam-perfume, aloes, saffron, and cassia, mixed with honey) for
the treatment of ten medical conditions (headache, chest pain, liver and spleen ailments,
long diseases, melancholia, dropsy, kidney and lung complaints, and gout). The ingredi-
ents, as well as their broad spectrum of uses, are typical of the “Classical/Golden” period
of antidotes (1st–3rd cc. CE). Theodo ̄re ̄tos may name the physician who created these formulae,
or simply describe them as “divine gifts” (for other such likely “brand names,” compare
F and I).
Diels 2 (1907) 100; RE 5A.2 (1934) 1803 (#9), K. Deichgräber.
Alain Touwaide
Theodo ̄ros (Mech.) (ca 435 – 485 CE)
Philosopher and engineer, addressee of P’ de Prouidentia et fato et eo quod in nobis
(surviving only in William of Moerbeke’s Latin translation). Proklos calls his friend “best
among mechanicians” and summarizes Theodo ̄ros’ belief in mechanical determinism: the
Universe moves in a necessary motion like a machine on wheels and pulleys built by an
engineer whose skill Theodo ̄ros imitates. Theodo ̄ros’ work does not survive.
THEODORE, PUPIL OF SERGIUS