From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordTetras is four taken as a numerical group or principle.
- In StobaeusThe Pythagorean report locates the power of ten in four because one, two, three, and four complete ten when summed.
- In this edition“Tetrad” preserves its role in numerical doctrine; an accompanying “four” prevents needless obscurity.
- A place to beginThe tetrad completes the sum of the first four numbers to ten.
- English renderings
- tetrad; four
Meaning
Tetras is four taken as a numerical group or principle. It is distinct from the tetractys, the arrangement of the first four numbers.
Use in the book
The Pythagorean report locates the power of ten in four because one, two, three, and four complete ten when summed. Four marks the last member needed for that completion. The argument does not obtain ten by multiplying four by itself, nor simply identify four and ten as the same number.
Places to read
- I.10.12.11The tetrad completes the sum of the first four numbers to ten.
Translation in this edition
“Tetrad” preserves its role in numerical doctrine; an accompanying “four” prevents needless obscurity.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 125. The source’s phrase about four and its parts is explained through the sum 1 + 2 + 3 + 4.