%0 Journal Article
%T An Infinity of Different Triangle Types: On the Chemistry of Plato's Timaeus
%A John R. Visintainer
%J Hyle : International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry
%D 1998
%I HYLE Publications, Karlsruhe and University of Karlsruhe
%X Francis Cornford's assertion that there must be a smallest elemental triangle in the Platonic chemistry of the Timaeus is overturned in this paper. I show that, according to Plato, there need not be such a triangle and there might be a potentially infinite amount of elemental triangles. In doing so, I follow the interpretation of the Platonic chemistry first proposed by Bruins. Finally, I draw some conclusions with regard to Plato's relationship to atomism and modern chemistry.
%K philosophy of chemistry
%K ontology
%K Plato's chemistry
%K atomism
%K elements
%K perfect solids
%U http://www.hyle.org/journal/issues/4/visint3.pdf