 The study of mathematics allows the soul to disengage itself from the material world, thus providing a starting point towards higher being. More interestingly, mathematics is assigned symbolic significance in a variety of fields: vol. V–VII of On Pythagoreanism (now lost) dealt with the mathematical teachings that can be drawn concerning ethics, physics and theology respectively (the anonymous Theologoumena arithmeticae might provide some insight into Iamblichus’ view of the relation between arithmetic and theology, as they include extensive quotes from Nicomachus as well as Iamblichus’ first teacher Anatolius). Mathematics is therefore versatile and multivalent in its essence (see, e.g., On General Mathematical Science, chap. 15; 18), and thus closely associated with the soul (ibid., chap. 9). It is also very likely that Syrianus’ distinction of various types of “number”—in descending order: eidetic, mathematical, physical, cf., e.g., In Metaphysica 122.11–16—stems from Iamblichean teachings.