HISTOE1CAL EVOLUTION OF MYTH AND SCIENCE. 231 



able with abstract mathematical calculation, effected 

 by this combination of simple bodies and the evo- 

 lution of elements. This was what Leucippus, 

 Pemocritus, and Epicurus undertook to teach, pass- 

 ing beyond the natural and ideal myths, in order 

 to take their stand on the movement of isolated parts 

 as the maker of the universe. Hence followed the 

 theory of atoms, and the mechanical construction of 

 the world, of bodies and souls, their continual com- 

 position and decomposition. Since, however, these 

 were mere speculations, not supported by experi- 

 mental methods and adequate instruments, mythical 

 forms were confounded with the mechanical ex- 

 planation of the world, such as the altogether 

 anthropomorphic conception of gods who were dis- 

 solved and formed again ; the sensible effluvium from 

 images, an effluvium which revealed the ancient 

 belief in the normal and abnormal personification of 

 imaginary forms, and of ideas. Yet the character of 

 this teaching was progressive and rational in com- 

 parison with the mythical and ideal theory of 

 Plato, and with the schools and religions which 

 emanated from him, even up to our time, and 

 thought was strongly stimulated in its opposition to 

 the continuance of myth. 



The influence of this school was confirmed by the 

 Aristotelian teaching; if on the one side Aristotle 

 inclined towards the mythical entities of Plato, and 



the old zoomorphic conception of the world, on the 

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