480?-420? B.C.

Greek Philosopher

It may surprise many modern people to learn that the concept of the atom is an ancient one, but in fact it had its roots with the Greek philosopher Leucippus and his student Democritus (460?-370? B.C.). It is perhaps ironic that these two should have been responsible for the idea that all of nature can be broken down into infinitesimal and indivisible parts: likewise it is difficult to separate the contributions of Leucippus from those of his more famous pupil in forming the theory of atomism.

Details of any kind about Leucippus's career are scant, and this is particularly so with regard to his early life. It is possible he was born in Miletus, a town in Asia Minor (now Turkey) that was home to numerous philosophers and scientists. He may have founded the school of philosophy at the city of Abdera...