The history of Western civilization has passed verdict on this book which we cherish as one of the noblest accomplishments of human intelligence. The present age may disbelieve in Aristotle's astronomical theories, but is also rejects Newtonian physics as definitive answers to scientific inquiry. Yet scientific progress does not diminish the value of previous contributions, for, as it is well said, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Such works as the Physics are the eternal possessions of mankind.

The present translation of the Physics, which is the work of both a philosopher and a classical scholar, was first used in manuscript form in a seminar on Aristotle at Columbia University. According to the translator, Professor Richard Hope, it has been "planned especially for the benefit of college and graduate students of philosophy. Instead of aiming at a literal reproduction of Aristotle's words and sentences, this version undertakes to present his ideas as we would express them, yet with as much fidelity to his text as the exigencies of a clear English rendering will allow." The translation also includes an analytical index which is in itself an invaluable piece of scholarly work. By reference to key numbers in the translation, the reader may readily determine the Greek terms which are being paraphrased.