This paper explains that Thales (c. 640-546 BC) of Miletus, who is considered to have been the founder of natural philosophy,
and Empedocles' system of four elements, earth, water, air and fire were major influences on Aristotle. The author stresses that Aristotle's influence was not isolated to Western civilization but was translated first into Syriac and later into Arabic, beginning in 450 A.D.; the Arabs were primarily interested in the medical, astronomical and mathematical aspects of the Aristotelian tradition. The paper relates that one of Aristotle's contributions, which is still in existence today, is the
university where Aristotle lectured at regularly scheduled hours as opposed to the debate of his predecessors.