ARISTOTLE. 



SECTION I. 



Remavkable Events in the Life of Aristotle. 



Introductory Remarks — Birth and Parentage of Aristotle — He 

 studies Philosophy under Plato — Is highly distinguished in the 

 Academy — Retires to Atarneus on the Death of his Master — 

 Marries — Is invited by Philip to superintend the Education of 

 Alexander — Prosecutes his Studies at the Court — On the Suc- 

 cession of Alexander, returns to Athens, where he sets up a 

 School in the Lyceum — Corresponds with Alexander, who sup- 

 plies Means for carrying on his Investigations — Alexander finds 

 Fault with him for publishing some of his Works, and after put- 

 ting Callisthenes to Death, exalts his Rival Xenocrates — On the 

 Death of Alexander, he is accused by his Enemies of Impiety, 

 when he escapes to Chalcis, where he dies soon after — His 

 personal Appearance and Character — His Testament — History 

 of his Writings — Great Extent of the Subjects treated of by 

 him — His Notions on elementary Bodies — The Material Universe 

 — The Changes to which the Earth has been subjected, and the 

 Eternity of its Existence — Conclusion. 



Natural History, considered as a science or body 

 of doctrine, commenced with Aristotle, the founder 

 of the Peripatetic School, and one of the most il- 

 lustrious philosophers of antiquity. His writings 

 were held in the highest estimation by his own 

 countrymen the Greeks, as well as by the Romans : 

 they were considered as the most authentic sources 

 of knowledge, after the revival of learning in Eu- 

 rope ; and even at the present day their influence 

 may be traced in the works of many who have not 



