Theophrastus

• Theophrastus (371-287 BCE) was a Greek Philosopher and Historian who is considered to be the Father of Botany.
• Born in Lesbos, he went to Athens to study Philosophy at Plato’s School until Plato died, after which he followed Aristotle. He succeeded Aristotle as the President of the Peripatetic School in Athens, remaining in office for 36 years.

Works

• ‘Enquiry into Plants’:
  • 10 books of which 9 have survived.
• ‘On the Causes of Plants’:
  • 8 Books of which 6 have survived.
• On Stones:
  • An analysis of Gemstones used by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History.
• On Odours:
  • A Treatise on the classification, smell and taste of odours and their manufacture as perfume.
• Treatises on various Topics.