Anaxilaus

Anaxilaus or Anaxilas of Larissa (Ancient Greek: Ἀναξίλαος, Ἀναξίλας; fl. 1st century BC) was a physician and Pythagorean philosopher. According to Eusebius, he was banished from Rome in 28 BC by Augustus on the charge of practicing magic.[1] Anaxilaus wrote about the "magical" properties of minerals, herbs, and other substances and derived drugs, and is cited by Pliny in this regard.[1] His exceptional knowledge of natural science allowed him to produce tricks that were mistaken for magic.

References

  1. ^ a b Taran, L. (1970). "Anaxilaus of Larissa". Dictionary of Scientific Biography. Vol. 1. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. p. 150. ISBN 0-684-10114-9.