Taylor - Theoretic Arithmetic.pdf - Platonic Philosophy

called Cupid for the reason above assigned, for its being denominated
Erato, viz. from desiring the accession of the monad.
But it is ignorance, from its subsistence as infinity, about
which there is an all-perfect ignorance. And it is ignobility,
falsehood, difference, kc. as being the leader of the worse
co-ordination of things.
CHAPTER V
On the triad.
NICOMACHUS, in the extracts from him preserved by Photius,
observes of the triad conformably to the Pythagoreans, as
follows: "The triad is the first odd number in energy, is the
first perfect number, is a middle and analogy. It causes the
power of the monad to proceed into energy and extension. But
it is also the first of numbers, and is properly a system of me
nads. Hence afterwards, the Pythagoreans refer this number
to physiology. For it is the cause of that which has triple dimensions,
gives bound to the infinity of number, is similar and
the same, homologous and definite. The triad also is intellect,
and is the cause of good counsel, intelligence, and knowledge.
It is also the most principal of numbers, and is the mistress and
composition of all music. It is likewise especially the mistress
of geometry, possesses authority in whatever pertains to astronomy
and the nature and knowledge of the heavenly bodies,
and connects and leads them into effect. Every virtue also is
suspended from this number, and proceeds from it. In the next
place with respect to its mythological appellations, it is Saturn
and Latona, and the horn of Amalthea. It is also Ophior~,
Thetis, and Harmony, Hecate, Erana, and Charitia, and among
the Muses, Polymnia. It is likewise Pluto and Loxia, the bear,
and Helice, and the constellation which is never merged in
the deep. It is Damatrame and Dioscoria, Metis and Trigem-