From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordParenklisis is a swerve away from a course.
- In StobaeusAtoms are said to move sometimes along a plumb line and sometimes by a swerve, while upward movement is assigned to impact and rebound.
- In this edition“Swerve” is the established equivalent; keep it distinct from enklisis, oblique motion.
- A place to beginAtomic swerving is distinguished from downward motion and rebound.
- English renderings
- swerve; deviation
Meaning
Parenklisis is a swerve away from a course. In the Epicurean report it is specifically distinguished from straight downward motion and motion through impact.
Use in the book
Atoms are said to move sometimes along a plumb line and sometimes by a swerve, while upward movement is assigned to impact and rebound. The report identifies these modes but does not here explain the swerve’s connection with voluntary action or supply its precise scale.
Places to read
- I.14.1f.2Atomic swerving is distinguished from downward motion and rebound.
Translation in this edition
“Swerve” is the established equivalent; keep it distinct from enklisis, oblique motion.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 142. The preceding statement about weight is textually troubled; the distinction among motions is clearer than that syntax.