a compiler, who simply preserved material from his predecessors (such as Philo ̄n and
K), rather than proving himself a creative thinker. But fragments from other
authors can only be verified in a few brief sections. He ̄ro ̄n always combines material from
a range of contexts in an original synthesis that supports his presentation of mechanics.
He employs philosophical vocabulary in his treatises, but it is impossible to pin him down as
associated with a particular author or philosophical school.
He ̄ro ̄n wrote within an established tradition of mechanical writings, drawing on the work
of Philo ̄n of Buzantion and Kte ̄sibios who cover a similar range of topics. But while treat-
ing a recognized area of knowledge, he pushed the boundaries with other disciplines such as
philosophy and geometry. The contents of He ̄ro ̄n’s treatises demonstrate his interest in
mixing theoretical and practical approaches. He addresses both questions akin to those
discussed by contemporary philosophers and geometers, and problems of constructing mili-
tary engines, buildings and entertainment devices. He ̄ro ̄n should thus not be seen as a
purely technical writer. His treatises have many features in common with introductory works
on philosophy and geometry (eisago ̄gai) and should be seen in this context as well as in the
context of the craftsmanship also evident in the treatises. He ̄ro ̄n blurs the boundary
between theory and practice and shows how mechanical devices play a central role in
resolving philosophical questions and producing a complete geometry. This is seen for
instance in his claim in Artillery Construction that catapults can secure the philosophical aim of
tranquility and in his combination of geometrical, arithmetical and mechanical methods in
the Metrika and Mechanics.
Ed.: Wilhelm Schmidt, L. Nix, H. Schoene, and J.L. Heiberg, Heronis Alexandrini Opera 5 vv. (Leipzig
1899 – 1914).
RE 8.1 (1912) 992–1080, C.R. Tittel; Drachmann (1948); Idem, The Mechanical Technology of Greek and
Roman Antiquity (1963); Marsden (1971); DSB 6.310–315, A.G. Drachmann and M.S. Mahoney;
OCD3 689 – 699, G.J. Toomer; Karin Tybjerg, “Hero of Alexandria’s Geometry of Mechanics,”
Apeiron (2004) 29–56.
Karin Tybjerg
He ̄ro ̄nas (100 – 530 CE)
E (in Archimedis De Sphair. 3.120 H.), discussing ratios (E 6.def.5) cites
He ̄ro ̄nas’ commentary on N’ Arithme ̄tika.
RE 8.1 (1912) 1080, C.R. Tittel.
GLIM
He ̄rophilos of Khalke ̄do ̄n (ca 280 – 260 BCE)
Physician and anatomist, born ca 330 BCE, resident in Alexandria ca 280 – 260 BCE, student
of P, famous for his pulse-theories. Probably He ̄rophilos was a “medical
apprentice” as documented in the H C Decorum 17, in which “appren-
tices” are “initiated” into the profession, in contrast with mere “laymen.” He ̄rophilos may
have practiced in Athens (von Staden 1989: 38–41) before his tenure in Alexandria, and he
was probably connected in some way with the Mouseion (Museum), whose complex of build-
ings included the famed library (Fraser 1972: 1.312–335 with texts, 2.467–461). Most med-
ical tracts from the Mouseion were commentaries on earlier writings, earning the jibe that
Alexandrian scholars were “well-fed bookish birds in a gilded cage” (T P,
HE ̄ROPHILOS OF KHALKE ̄DO ̄N