From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordPēlos is clay or mud, a mixture associated with earth and moisture.
- In StobaeusThe Phaedo description contrasts the worn lower region with a finer upper earth, using the seabed’s clay and mud as an analogy for relative imperfection.
- In this edition“Clay” preserves the adopted distinction from the neighboring word for mud.
- A place to beginClay contributes to the comparison between lower and higher regions.
- English renderings
- clay; mud
Meaning
Pēlos is clay or mud, a mixture associated with earth and moisture. Its role can be descriptive or figurative.
Use in the book
The Phaedo description contrasts the worn lower region with a finer upper earth, using the seabed’s clay and mud as an analogy for relative imperfection. Pēlos is one material in the comparison, not an independent metaphysical principle of evil.
Places to read
- I.49.58.18Clay contributes to the comparison between lower and higher regions.
Translation in this edition
“Clay” preserves the adopted distinction from the neighboring word for mud.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 437–438. A substantial supplement restores the two-stage comparison. The disparaging description of the sea belongs to the illustrative narrative.