Named for the great Greek philosopher Anaximenes of Miletus. He was born in 545 B.C. and is to be considered, with Thales and Anaximander {see, respectively, planets  (6001) and  (6006)}, one of the three first philosophers in the western world. His principal element was “aer” (vapor, air), from which the various types of matter can be derived by condensation. His thought is typical of the transition from mythology to science. However, he was not completely liberated from mystical tendencies (orphism), since he believed that there is a kind of overarching principle between microcosmos and macrocosmos. (M 24919) _ _.