Father of Botany Overview
Theophrastus was a Greek philosopher and the Peripatetic school's successor to Aristotle. He was born in Eresos, Lesbos. His real name was Tyrtamus, and his instructor, Aristotle, nicknamed him for his "divine way of language." He arrived in Athens at an early age and began his education at Plato's school. When Aristotle departed Athens, Theophrastus assumed control of the Lyceum. For thirty-six years, Theophrastus ruled over the Peripatetic school, which grew enormously. For his plant-related studies, he is often regarded as the founder of botany. Strato of Lampsacus succeeded him as head of the academy.
Father of Botany Highlights
The following gives details about the father of botany-
Particulars | Details |
Date of Birth | 371 BC, Eresos |
Age | 83 or 84 |
Died | 287 BC, Athens |
Education | Platonic Academy |
Region | Western Philosophy |
Era | Ancient Philosophy |
School | Peripatetic School |
Main Interests | Grammar, History, Ethics, Metaphysics, Logic, Physics, Natural History, Botany |
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Who is the Father of Botany?
Theophrastus was a Greek philosopher born at Eresos, Lesbos. His given name was Tyrtamus, but he was afterward known by the moniker "Theophrastus," which Aristotle is supposed to have given him to emphasize the beauty of his talk. After getting philosophical training from Alcippus on Lesbos, he proceeded to Athens, where he may have studied under Plato. He became acquainted with Aristotle, and after Plato's death (348/7 BC), Theophrastus may have joined Aristotle in his self-imposed exile from Athens. It is extremely likely that Aristotle moved to Mytilene on Lesbos in 345/4 at the persuasion of Theophrastus.
People have been exploring plant life since the dawn of time since it is so vital to human existence. Theophrastus lived around 2300 years ago and was a Greek philosopher. He is regarded as the founder of botanical science. He was Aristotle's successor in the Peripatetic school. He was a well-known physicist, botanist, biologist, and botanist. He published several publications, the most notable of which were Enquiry into Plants and On the Causes of Plants. During the Middle Ages, these were the primary sources of botanical knowledge. As a result, he was dubbed the "Father of Botany."
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Aristotle and Theophrastus Work-Life
Theophrastus was born in 370 B.C. and was a student of Aristotle, who left his writings to Theophrastus and appointed him as his successor at his School. He was a scientist, botanist, biologist, and scholar. It appears that Aristotle and Theophrastus began their natural science investigation on Lesbos, with Aristotle studying animals and Theophrastus researching plants. When Aristotle was appointed tutor to Alexander the Great in 343/2, Theophrastus most likely followed him to Macedonia.
Around 335 BC, Theophrastus came to Athens with Aristotle, where Aristotle began teaching at the Lyceum. When anti-Macedonian sentiment compelled Aristotle to flee Athens following Alexander's death, Theophrastus stayed as the head (scholarch) of the Peripatetic school, a post he held until Aristotle's death in 322/1.
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In his will, Aristotle appointed him the guardian of his children, including Nicomachus, with whom he had a strong relationship. Aristotle also left him his collection and the originals of his works, as well as naming him as his successor at the Lyceum. According to Diogenes, Theophrastus ruled over the Peripatetic school for thirty-five years and died at the age of 85. He is supposed to have stated, "We die just as we begin to live."
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Theophrastus Discoveries
His two largest botanical treatises, Enquiry into Plants and On the Causes of Plants, comprise the earliest systemization of the botanical world and were vital sources of botanical knowledge between antiquity and the Middle Ages. On the basis of these efforts, some refer to him as the "Father of Botany."
On the Causes of Plants was initially published in eight volumes, six of which have survived. It is concerned with the growth of plants, the influences on their fertility, the right periods for sowing and reaping, the ways of preparing the soil, manuring it, and the use of tools, and the odors, tastes, and qualities of various plant varieties. The treatise focuses on the economic applications of plants rather than their therapeutic purposes, though the latter is discussed at times. Although these writings contain many ludicrous and fantastic ideas, they also contain many significant insights into the functions and qualities of plants. Theophrastus observed the germination process and discovered the relevance of climate and soil to plants.
Under his direction, the school thrived greatly—there were more than 2000 pupils at one point, Diogenes confirms, and upon his death, he donated to it his garden with house and colonnades as a permanent site of teaching, according to the conditions of his testament documented by Diogenes. Menander, the comedic poet, was one of his students. His popularity was demonstrated by Philip's, Cassander's, and Ptolemy's admiration for him, as well as the utter failure of an impiety allegation, leveled against him. He was given a public funeral, and "the entire people of Athens, highly honoring him, accompanied him to the tomb." Strato of Lampsacus succeeded him as head of the Lyceum.