ABSTRACT
Theophrastus was a man fond of listening and given to research. In Diogenes’ catalog of Theophrastus’ writings, there are several parallels or equivalences with the political works of Aristotle, but Theophrastus also seems to have struck out in new directions of his own. Theophrastus acquired his interest in politics from his teacher. Theophrastus acquired from Aristotle an enthusiasm for research into political phenomena. Theophrastus recorded laws against drunkenness in various cities. In a revealing passage in the Rhetoric Aristotle comments on the use to which an orator may put not only historical, but comparative, politics. The interest in history and politics was sparked off by Aristotle's instruction and example.
