ABSTRACT
Aristotle's writings on scientific subjects were extensive. Biology was one of his main interests, and his writings indicate that he did some biological research. Much of his writing on scientific subjects is of little philosophical interest, but some of it is philosophically important and helps to clarify aspects of his metaphysics. Aristotle's views on physics and astronomy were influential, especially before the late Renaissance. He was treated as an authority on scientific as well as other topics. According to Aristotle, physical bodies on the earth are made of the four traditional elements, earth, air, fire, and water. The heavenly bodies are composed of a purer substance, aether. Matter has a position; it occupies place or space. Movement occurs in space. Space has three dimensions; it has size, but it is not infinite. Time is the measure of motion and of rest. Aristotle divided living things according to their functions and called them vegetative soul, sensitive soul, and rational soul.
