Theophrastus

''Theophrastus directs here. For the minor fictional character, see'' Minor Fictional Characters in the Settling Accounts Series (M-Z)

Theophrastus (/ˌθiːəˈfræstəs/; Greek: Θεόφραστος; c. 371 – c. 287 BC), a Greek native of Eresos in Lesbos, was the successor to Aristotle in the Peripatetic school. He came to Athens at a young age and initially studied in Plato's school. After Plato's death, he attached himself to Aristotle. Aristotle bequeathed to Theophrastus his writings and designated him as his successor at the Lyceum. Theophrastus presided over the Peripatetic school for thirty-six years, during which time the school flourished greatly. He is often considered the "father of botany" for his works on plants. After his death, the Athenians honored him with a public funeral. Theophrastus' interests were wide ranging, extending from biology and physics to ethics and metaphysics.

Literary comment
In the Hellenic Traders series, where Theophrastus appears directly, Turtledove uses the Greek spelling "Theophrastos".

Theophrastus in Hellenic Traders
Theophrastos instructed at the Academy in Athens. Sostratos, a trader from Rhodes, studied under Theophrastos for a time.