Named for the great Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras of Samos (580–500 B.C.). He contributed to the development of mathematics and is generally credited with the first mathematical foundation of theories about harmony in physics and the arts. Although it is difficult to distinguish his teaching from those of his disciples, Pythagorean principles strongly influenced the thought of Plato and to a somewhat lesser extent that of Aristoteles {see, respectively, planets  (5451) and  (6123)}. (M 24919; M 25351) _ _.