From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordMeson is what lies between extremes or occupies the middle.
- In StobaeusThe arithmetic comparison favors odd number because it has beginning, end, and a middle, whereas even number lacks a central member in that arrangement.
- In this edition“Middle” is safest here; “mean” would suggest a specific proportional relation not established by this clause.
- A place to beginA central unit distinguishes odd from even number in an argument about completeness.
- English renderings
- middle; mean; central member
Meaning
Meson is what lies between extremes or occupies the middle. Arithmetic and spatial uses need to be distinguished.
Use in the book
The arithmetic comparison favors odd number because it has beginning, end, and a middle, whereas even number lacks a central member in that arrangement. This is not the claim that even quantities cannot have a midpoint. The argument relies on the organization of units, then moves into a more obscure geometrical comparison.
Places to read
- Arith.5bA central unit distinguishes odd from even number in an argument about completeness.
Translation in this edition
“Middle” is safest here; “mean” would suggest a specific proportional relation not established by this clause.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 19. The geometrical continuation is difficult and does not supply a fully recoverable diagram.