c. 350-c. 290 B.C.

Greek philosopher and the first major historian of mathematics. Eudemus studied under, and became close friends with, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.). Later he returned to his native Rhodes, where he wrote a number of works, including History of Geometry and History of Astronomy. Though these books have been lost, much of what they contained was passed on to other ancient writers, and collectively they constitute a principal source of information on numerous ancient thinkers and their achievements. Also highly significant is the fact that Eudemus kept notes on his great mentor's classes, thus preserving much of Aristotle's teaching.