From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordDialysis is dissolution or a taking apart.
- In StobaeusChrysippus’ account distinguishes the four elements as constituents from fire as the preeminent element into which all finally resolves.
- In this edition“Dissolution” is not automatically annihilation.
- A place to beginConstituents and final resolution into fire are distinguished.
- English renderings
- dissolution; resolution into constituents
Meaning
Dialysis is dissolution or a taking apart. It can describe the undoing of a compound without implying that its underlying material ceases to exist.
Use in the book
Chrysippus’ account distinguishes the four elements as constituents from fire as the preeminent element into which all finally resolves. Ocellus locates the cause of mortal dissolution in the changeable matter of which mortal things are composed and says their passing-away preserves the matter that produces them. The cosmic conflagration report asks how much surrounding space the world’s dissolution requires. These discussions concern different scales of disintegration.
Places to read
- I.10.16c.1Constituents and final resolution into fire are distinguished.
- I.13.2.2Mortal dissolution preserves the underlying matter.
- I.18.4b.2The world’s dissolution raises a question about surrounding extent.
Translation in this edition
“Dissolution” is not automatically annihilation. What persists, and what loses its organization, must be determined from the source’s account.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 129, 139–140, 160.