1. According to Plato (Phaedo, 96a-99d), Socrates, when young, was interested in natural science, but became disillusioned with it and pioneered his new philosophy. See also Plato, Apology of Socrates, 19b, 26b-d; Aristotle, Metaphysics, 987b; and p. 255, n. 3.

2. The word ‘cosmos’ literally means ‘order’ or ‘beauty’.