constructions of curves which were later determined to be definable as conic sections
(Knorr 1982).
Menaikhmos’ solution uses a parabola and a hyperbola. Immediately after describing it,
Eutokios ( pp. 82.1–84.7 H.) gives under the heading “in another way” (allo ̄s) a very similar
one, using two parabolas. Menaikhmos has usually been credited with this solution, but a
very similar argument is found in the Arabic translation of D (186–207), raising
doubts about the attribution to Menaikhmos. If that attribution is moot, then so must be the
attribution to Menaikhmos of a mechanical solution, ascribed by Eutokios ( pp. 56.13–58.14
H.) to Plato, the configuration of which is very like the alternative solution. However,
P (Quaest. Conv. 718E) says that Plato reproached Eudoxos, A, and
Menaikhmos for trying to reduce the duplication of the cube to a matter of mechanical
constructions.
T S ( pp. 201.22–202.2) connects Menaikhmos with the astronomical
theory of homocentric spheres, commonly attributed to Eudoxos.
DSB 9.268–277, I. Bulmer-Thomas; Toomer (1976) 90–96, 169–170; W.R. Knorr, “Observations
on the early history of the conics,” Centaurus 26 (1982) 1–24; Jones (1986) 573–577; Lasserre
(1987) 12.
Ian Mueller
Menandros Iatrosophist (600 – 1200? CE)
Under the name of Menandros iatrosophiste ̄s, the 14th c. MS, Paris BNF, graecus 1630, contains
a fragment of a work on gynecology in the vein of the undated M, and the
many works from southern Italy that constituted the so-called 12th-century Trotula (in fact a
collection of treatises rather than a single author). The author of the Paris fragment is
probably not the same as the M cited by P; the epithet iatrosophiste ̄s might
confirm a late-antique date.
Diels 2 (1907) 64 (De Mulieribus).
Alain Touwaide
Menandros of He ̄rakleia (325 – 90 BCE)
Wrote a treatise on agriculture excerpted by C D (V, RR 1.1.8–10).
To judge from references in P (1.ind.8, 11), he discussed livestock and bees. Pseudo-
P, Nobil. 20 (7.269 Bern.) reports his claim that farmers were the last remnant of
the Saturnian race.
RE 15.1 (1931) 764–765 (#19), Ernst Diehl, and S.6 (1935) 297, W. Kroll.
Philip Thibodeau
Menandros (of Pergamon?) (ca 175 – 155 BCE)
Physician, medical authority on drugs (P 1.ind.30), possibly the same as the Menandros
from Pergamon attested at Athens, and a companion of King Eumene ̄s (Syll. 655). He
prescribed eating beetroot roasted on hot coals to neutralize “garlic breath” (19.113).
N reused his enema. Identification with Pliny’s non-medical authority who
wrote Necessities for Life (ΒΙΟΧΡΗΣΤΑ: 1.ind.19–27) is tenuous, for whom better see M.
H or P.
MENANDROS (OF PERGAMON?)