From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordApopalmos is a rebound or springing back; palmos is a shaking or vibration.
- In StobaeusThe account of Epicurus distinguishes the atoms’ downward movement, their swerve, and upward motion resulting from impact and rebound.
- In this edition“Rebound” suits apopalmos in this passage.
- A place to beginImpact and rebound explain an upward motion of atoms.
- English renderings
- rebound; vibration; pulsation
Meaning
Apopalmos is a rebound or springing back; palmos is a shaking or vibration. The compound is especially useful where motion follows a blow.
Use in the book
The account of Epicurus distinguishes the atoms’ downward movement, their swerve, and upward motion resulting from impact and rebound. Rebound belongs to the mechanics of collision. It must not be confused with the unforced deviation introduced under the separate heading of the swerve.
Places to read
- I.14.1f.2Impact and rebound explain an upward motion of atoms.
Translation in this edition
“Rebound” suits apopalmos in this passage. “Vibration” is a broader rendering of the word family, not a claim that this sentence describes periodic oscillation.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 142. The preceding clause about weight is disturbed. The contrast between the swerve and motion caused by a blow remains important despite that uncertainty.