Diogenes Apolloniates

, or of Apollonia, in the island of Crete, was a disciple of Anaximenes, and the successor of Anaxagoras in the Ionic school. Following the steps of his master, he devoted himself to the contemplation of nature; not, however, without mingling with the severer pursuits of philosophy the study of eloquence. This qualified him to execute the office of preceptor with great reputation, both at Miletus and at Athens. But his success, and perhaps his opinions, excited so much jealousy and aversion among the Athenians, that, like Anaxagoras, he was obliged to provide for his safety by flight. What befel him afterwards, or what was the exact time of his birth or death, is unknown. With Anaximenes, he taught that air, or a subtle ether, is the first material principle in nature, but that it partakes of a divine intelligence, without which nothing could be produced. From comparing the imperfect accounts of his doctrine which remain, with the opinions of his predecessors, it appeals probable that he conceived the infinite ether to be animated by a divine mind, and all things to be formed from this compound principle. ²