c. 108 C.E.–c. 165 C.E.

Mathematician
Music theorist
Astronomer

Critiqued Current Theories.

The Harmonika of Claudius Ptolemy is considered to be second only to Aristoxenus in importance to the understanding of Greek music theory. A well-respected geographer, astronomer, and mathematician, Ptolemy was born at Pelusium, Egypt, around 108 C.E., and died near Alexandria around 165 C.E. The lexicographer Suda says that he lived during the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180 C.E.); he worked in the cities Canopus and Alexandria, writing many scientific books; he is one of the founders of the field of astronomy. In the three books of the Harmonika, Ptolemy employed Pythagorean mathematical concepts in his explanation of tuning systems, sound, pitch, and consonance, but he carefully critiqued both the Pythagorean and Aristoxenian definitions, noting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. He agreed with the Aristoxenian principle that the purpose...