Page:Early Greek philosophy by John Burnet, 3rd edition, 1920.djvu/366

352 Geneva Scholia on Homer. It is directed against the old assumption that the "waters under the earth" are an independent source of moisture, and runs thus:

We observe here the universal assumption that water tends to rise from the earth, not to sink into it.

Along with Hippon, Idaios of Himera may just be mentioned. We know nothing of him except from Sextus, who says he held air to be the primary substance. The fact that he was a Sicilian is, however, suggestive.

186. After discussing the three great representatives of the Milesian school, Theophrastos went on to say: