Chrysippus’ Theory of Cosmic <i>Pneuma</i>: Some Remarks in Light of Medical and Biological Doctrines on Respiration, Digestion and Pulse

Abstract The aim of this paper is to explore how the cosmic soul works and it accomplishes its providential demiurgic tasks in Chrysippus’ system. Drawing on (i) analogy Chrysippus establishes between individuum cosmos (ii) biological medical theories respiration, digestion, pulse, I will show that movements reproduce processes respiration at a level. My claim Chrysippus, addition adopting Praxagoras’ notion inhaled air nourishes pneuma —well established scholarship—appropriated Aristotle’s complex mechanism digestion based teleological role cold air, crucial for preserving vital heat. So understood, application notions cosmology allows him endow active principle with effective causation throughout cosmos.