view to the demonstration of absolute truth; meanwhile, the argument

that the very existence of the arts must be held to depend on the

possibility of measuring more or less, not only with one another, but

also with a view to the attainment of the mean, seems to afford a grand

support and satisfactory proof of the doctrine which we are maintaining;

for if there are arts, there is a standard of measure, and if there is a

standard of measure, there are arts; but if either is wanting, there is

neither.

YOUNG SOCRATES: True; and what is the next step?

STRANGER: The next step clearly is to divide the art of measurement into

two parts, as we have said already, and to place in the one part all the

arts which measure number, length, depth, breadth, swiftness with their

opposites; and to have another part in which they are measured with the

mean, and the fit, and the opportune, and the due, and with all those

words, in short, which denote a mean or standard removed from the

extremes.

YOUNG SOCRATES: Here are two vast divisions, embracing two very

different spheres.

STRANGER: There are many accomplished men, Socrates, who say, believing

themselves to speak wisely, that the art of measurement is universal,

and has to do with all things. And this means what we are now saying;

for all things which come within the province of art do certainly in

Statesman