PHYSICAL SCIENCE 



authorities attached, which seems strange if the work had 

 then been given to the world. 1 



We read in the Sixth Book of the Q.N. (230) that the 

 author had previously, when a young man, composed a work 

 upon Earthquakes. This, taken in connection with what 

 precedes, and with what we know of the author's character 

 and interests, affords some ground for the conjecture that 

 he may have worked intermittently at the subject at 

 various periods of life. But no doubt the arrangement of 

 the materials and the completion of the work belong to 

 his latter years. He had by this time lost his hold upon 

 Nero, and had practically retired from political activity. 

 His trust in princes had been found misplaced. He was 

 disappointed if not embittered. The discussion of public 

 affairs was precluded. It was dangerous even to let one's 

 thoughts rest upon them. But there were consolations 

 for political disappointment and inactivity. Recourse 

 might be made to the contemplation of those great works 

 and workings of Nature which are exempt from the 

 caprices of human passion. The study of Nature was 

 equally fitted to humble and to console ; to it Seneca 

 betook himself for refuge. 2 



The Q.N. may, thus, have been composed at different 

 dates, materials for it being gathered at various times as 

 opportunity offered. But the final arrangement and 

 systematisation belong to the last years of the author's 

 life, about the years 63 or 64. The publication may not 

 have taken place until some time subsequently, and may 

 have been carried out by Lucilius, who was Seneca's literary 

 executor. So much is certain, that the work as we have 

 it is not the work as it left the author's hand. 



Much time and ingenuity have been bestowed on 



1 Seneca's name does occur in the lists attached to Books VI. IX. and 

 XXXVI. ; the first is geographical, dealing with Asia and Africa, the second 

 has for subject fishes and aquatic life in general, while the third deals with 

 the natural history of stones. 



2 " The Stoics affected to despise physical studies, or at any rate to postpone 

 them to morals. Seneca shared this edifying but far from scientific persuasion. 

 But after his final withdrawal from court, as the wonders of nature forced 

 themselves on his notice, he reconsidered his old prejudice, and entered with 

 ardour on the contemplation of physical phenomena" (Cruttwell, op. cit. 381). 



