From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordSelas is a blaze or luminous appearance.
- In StobaeusThe account of fiery appearances in the air distinguishes movement and extension: a rapidly moving ignition makes a streak, whereas a more stationary extended appearance can take a comet-like form.
- In this edition“Luminous flare” or “blaze” is preferable here to “emanating light,” which would suggest a different philosophical question.
- A place to beginIgnition, motion, and extension explain different luminous appearances.
- English renderings
- luminous flare; blaze; gleam
Meaning
Selas is a blaze or luminous appearance. In an account of phenomena aloft, it names an appearance of light rather than a metaphysical process of emanation.
Use in the book
The account of fiery appearances in the air distinguishes movement and extension: a rapidly moving ignition makes a streak, whereas a more stationary extended appearance can take a comet-like form. The visible configuration and duration help distinguish these phenomena.
Places to read
- I.40.1.46Ignition, motion, and extension explain different luminous appearances.
Translation in this edition
“Luminous flare” or “blaze” is preferable here to “emanating light,” which would suggest a different philosophical question.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 266. These ancient appearance-based classes do not map automatically onto present-day astronomical categories. The report’s explanation is presented in its own physical terms.