an ancient poet and philosopher, born in Sicily, was a scholar of Pythagoras. He is said to have introduced comedy at Syracuse in the reign of Hiero. Horace commends Plautus for imitating him, in following the chace of the intrigue so closely as not to give the readers or spectators time to trouble themselves with doubts concerning the discovery. He wrote likewise treatises concerning philosophy and medicine; but none of his works have been preserved. He died aged 90, according to Laertius, who has preserved four verses inscribed on his statue.