Libro

Titus Lucretius Carus lived ca. 99-55 BCE. Details of his career are unknown. He's author of the didactic hexameter poem, De Rerum Natura. In six books compounded of solid reasoning, brilliant imagination & noble poetry, he expounds the scientific theories of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, with the aim of dispelling fear of the gods & fear of death & so enabling the attainment peace of mind & happiness.
Book 1 establishes the general principles of the atomic system, refutes the views of rival physicists & proves the infinity of the cosmos & of its two ultimate constituents, matter & void. Book 2 explains atomic movement, the variety of atomic shapes & argues that atoms lack color, sensation & other secondary qualities. Book 3 expounds the nature & composition of mind & spirit, proves their mortality & shows there's nothing to fear in death. Book 4 explains the nature of sensation & thought, ending with an impressive account of sexual love. Book 5 describes the nature & formation of Earth, astronomical phenomena, the beginnings of life & the development of civilization. Book 6 explains various atmospheric & terrestrial phenomena, including thunder, lightning, earthquakes, volcanoes, magnets & plagues.