PORPAYRTUS, one of that series of ancient philosophers to whom is due the reforma tion of the Greek philosophy known as Neoplatonism, was probably b. at Batanea in Syria (the Basilan of Scripture) in the year 233 A.D. His original name was the Greek form of the Syro-Phenician Melech, or king. The name by which lie is in history, Porphyrins, one clad in purple," is but a Greek epithet intended as a sort of paraphrase of his name. He is said by Socrates the historian, and by St. Augus tine, to have been originally a Christian; but this seems improbable, although it is certain that in his youth lie was a hearer of Origen, or at least held some intercourse with him at Caesarea in Palestine. What is more certain is that he a later time to Athens, where he studied rhetoric under Longinus, the well-known author of the treatise On the Sublime. It was at Rome, however, whither be repaired soon after 260, that he entered upon what twist be regarded as, historically considered, the career of his life. Here he became a scholar of the Neoplatonist Plotinus, with whom, as well as with another member of the same school, named Amelius, Porphyrius entered into an ani mated controversy, but. eventually adopted so fully the opinions of Plotinus that he became himself, if not the leader of the school, at least the most trusted of the disciples of its master. After 6 years' residence in Rome, he went to Sicily, where, if St. Jerome 's
account is to be relied on, he wrote his once celebrated treatise in 15 books against the Christians, now known only from the replies which it elicited, having been burned by order of the emperor Theodosius. From Sicily he went to Carthage, and afterward to Athens; but eventually, Plotinus having died soon after Porphyrius left Berne, lie returned to that city, where he continued to teach, as it would seem, until his death, which was probably about 305 or 306. For a view of Porphyrius's position in the history of the Neoplatonic school see NEOPLATONISTS. Porphyrius was a very voluminous writer. Of his works the titles of more than 60 are still preserved, 43 of which are entirely lost. His Life of Pythagoras; his work On Abstinence from Animal Food; his Commentary on Aristotle's Categories, with the Introduction; and On the Harmonies of Ptolemy; and the book Ad Marcellam, addressed to his wife, are preserved entire. The rest are known chiefly by fragments, nor has any complete edition of his works been published.