From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordSyllabē can mean a joining or gathering, and in musical usage names the interval of the fourth.
- In StobaeusThe numerical account assigns the fourth the ratio four to three, the fifth three to two, and the octave two to one.
- In this edition“Fourth” should replace a mechanically literal “syllable” in this musical account.
- A place to beginThe fourth is distinguished from the fifth and octave by its ratio.
- English renderings
- fourth; musical fourth
Meaning
Syllabē can mean a joining or gathering, and in musical usage names the interval of the fourth. Its ordinary grammatical meaning “syllable” does not fit the selected passage.
Use in the book
The numerical account assigns the fourth the ratio four to three, the fifth three to two, and the octave two to one. The fourth and fifth together make the octave by compounding their ratios. The terminology connects audible intervals with numerical relations.
Places to read
- I.21.7d.3The fourth is distinguished from the fifth and octave by its ratio.
Translation in this edition
“Fourth” should replace a mechanically literal “syllable” in this musical account.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 189. Combining the intervals multiplies their ratios; it does not add four-thirds and three-halves as ordinary fractions.