On Numenius the Platonic Philosopher

which I regret most greatly, this book has not been preserved, it is nevertheless clear from an accurate comparison of the remains of Numenius and the writings of Plotinus that Amelius rightfully refuted that accusation. For these philosophers agree on many and very serious matters, but since both are Platonists, there is no reason for us to be surprised, nor to think that one transcribed the other. Furthermore, it is certainly difficult to understand how it happened that Plotinus was raised with such praises by all his students as the highest philosopher and held such authority among them, if he taught nothing but the dogmas of Numenius, especially since the writings of this philosopher were very well known to most of the men of that time who were steeped in literary studies.

Porphyry also is said to have followed Numenius in many matters by Proclus in In Timaeum, p. 24: "On this opinion is the philosopher Porphyry, whom one might admire if he says other things than the tradition of Numenius."

Finally, you find the same doctrines of philosophy in the remains of the opinions of the philosopher Cronius 1). Indeed, Cronius seems to have been a disciple of Numenius. For Porphyry (On the Cave of the Nymphs ch. 21) mentions that he was a hetairos companion/associate of Numenius, but hetairos signifies not only a disciple, but also one who is in the same mind with another 2).

But enough about the time, method, and authority of Numenius. Let us now move on to examine his writings.

On the writings of Numenius.

That Numenius wrote a great deal is evident from the fact that Porphyry, in Life of Plotinus ch. 3, p. XXI ed. Kirchh., says that Amelius, his fellow student, in order to praise his diligence, transcribed, collected, and learned almost all the writings of Numenius: "Being surpassed in industry by no one of his own time, because he almost wrote down, collected, and learned the most part of all the writings of Numenius."

1. Porphyry, On the Cave of the Nymphs 21. Iamblichus, On the Soul, in Stobaeus, Eclogues I, 40 (910). Mein. I, 41 (896). Nemesius, On the Nature of Man p. 50 Antv. 117 M.
2. Cf. Zeller, Philosophy of the Greeks V. p. 199, 5.