1. Which, qua continuous, cannot be dissected. Given Socrates’ reference to this theory below (301e), it seems to have been a genuine theory of the historical Hippias, though the details are uncertain and this interpretation of our passage controversial. (Morgan uncovers as much of the theory as the text can reveal – and perhaps a little more.) Some theory of ‘the continuity of physical reality’ might also serve to justify an orator’s preference for general epideixeis rather than precise elenchos (on these terms see pp. 29–32). See also Hippias Minor 369b-c.

2. Note the typical rhetorical accumulation of rhyming words.