Hephaestion (Hephaistion)

Hephaestion; Hephaistion, from Alexandria, II in. n. e., Greek grammar. From extensive work on the metric (Peri metron, 48 books). Excerpts from her textbook under the title of the metric (Encheiridion peri metron) - the only completely preserved description Alexandrian metric system. After introductory remarks on the longitude of syllables and metrical principles of division by alternately describes 9 basic sizes (prototypa): iamb, trochee, dactyl, anapaest lame iamb antispast, Ionian and Cretan meters as well as their combinations. G. was a supporter of the so-called junior metric based on the analysis of size by their expansion on the basic metric units - feet (senior metric known of derivative, displays all the dimensions of the hexameter and iambic trimeter). Composition G. contains many valuable quotations from the works of ancient comedy and poetry, now lost. Apparently, in VI. commenters Horobosk and John Seetzen (XII century.) shifted it in verse. Book of the Court ascribes to Mr.. authorship of many works in the field of metrics relating to, inter alia, Homer and Greek tragedy.