- Testimonium 1 (Aristotle and Theophrastus on the originator of atomism)
- Testimonium 2 (The Great Diakosmos)
- Testimonium 3 (Leucippus and the Eleatics)
Testimonium 1 (Aristotle and Theophrastus on the originator of atomism)
It is true that the very existence of Leukippos has been called in question. Epicurus is reported to have said there never was such a philosopher, and the same thing has been maintained in quite recent times. On the other hand, Aristotle and Theophrastos certainly made him the originator of the atomic theory, and they can hardly have been mistaken on such a point.
Burnet, _Early Greek Philosophy_ (4th ed., 1930), Ch. IX, §§171–172.
Testimonium 2 (The Great Diakosmos)
What that work was, Theophrastos also tells us. It was the Great Diakosmos usually attributed to Demokritos. This means further that what were known later as the works of Demokritos were really the writings of the school of Abdera, and included, as was natural, the works of its founder.
Burnet, _Early Greek Philosophy_ (4th ed., 1930), Ch. IX, §§171–172.
Testimonium 3 (Leucippus and the Eleatics)
Theophrastos says distinctly that he had been a member of the school of Parmenides, and his words suggest that the founder of that school was then still at its head. Theophrastos also appears to have said that Leukippos "heard" Zeno, which is very credible. We shall see, at any rate, that the influence of Zeno on his thinking is unmistakable.
Burnet, _Early Greek Philosophy_ (4th ed., 1930), Ch. IX, §§171–172.