From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordIris names the rainbow and can also name its divine personification.
- In StobaeusThe opening account distinguishes substantial formations such as rain from appearances such as the rainbow.
- In this editionThe English keeps an optical appearance distinct from a separately existing body.
- A place to beginThe rainbow is classified as an appearance.
- English renderings
- rainbow; halo
Meaning
Iris names the rainbow and can also name its divine personification. Halōs names a halo. Their grouping reflects optical explanations that treat them as related appearances.
Use in the book
The opening account distinguishes substantial formations such as rain from appearances such as the rainbow. It then explains reflected sight at droplets and offers sprayed water as a practical comparison. The Aristotelian report gives halos and rainbows a common cause while distinguishing the surfaces and conditions of reflection. The poetic story of Iris belongs to a different mode of explanation within the same chapter.
Places to read
Translation in this edition
The English keeps an optical appearance distinct from a separately existing body. Personification is retained where the source invokes Iris as a figure.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 238–240.