Problems Concerning First Principles

VIII) Finally, in the Anthologia Palatina, bk. VII No. 553, p. 475, Vol. 1, Jacobs edition, there exists this epigram of Damascius the philosopher:

Zosime, who was once a slave only in body,
has now found freedom in her body as well.

Photius judges the style of Damascius correctly, albeit a bit harshly, in the aforementioned places (p. 311 and p. 409 and 410). Regarding his philosophical method, others have different opinions, and it is a wonder how contrary these judgments are. However one estimates his value, this is certain: Damascius was the last of the Greek philosophers who, with skilled reason and admirable subtlety, attempted to deduce the sum of all things from one highest principle; and for that reason, he is worthy of being read so that we may see how far human reason, on the path paved by Plato and other ancient philosophers, was able to proceed, or, if you prefer, to stray. For the error of another can also correct us and lead us back to the right path. Certainly, Damascius proves by his own example how true it is: It is the heart that makes philosophers.

Damascius continues the medical commentary: ...or to do anything of that sort to him. For all these things are by nature very hostile to health. By 'external things,' he refers to the houses in which the sufferers happen to be—some perhaps colder, some warmer—and the temperaments of the airs. If, therefore, you will preserve all these things and guard them accurately, you will find me not lying in anything, and you will heal the sick person very quickly. It must be known that Hippocrates divided the present preamble into two types of discourse: up to 'the crisis is difficult,' the discourse is aphoristic and, as it were, instructional; but from 'one must also,' and the following, it is advisory up to 'and external things.'"

This method of commenting agrees excellently with the way of interpreting in the continued Commentary of Proclus; however, it bears less resemblance to our Damascius, so that I am easily led to suspect that these commentaries are not by our Damascius. See the renowned Boissonade in the notes on Marinus p. 144, who wishes to credit Damascius with an epigram that our author could easily do without; the same exists in Anth. Palat. Palatine Anthology bk. 9, No. 196 and 197, Vol. II, p. 66, Jacobs edition.