 They originated in this form with the Pyrrhonist philosopher Timon of Phlius, "circa" 250 BC, who composed three books of them (of which only fragments survive, some 135 verses).Xenophanes of Colophon had written philosophical satire earlier, but Timon is given credit for the "silloi" form.In general, although there was some personalized satire, Timon's verses mainly satirized the philosophies of other philosophers, and not the philosophers themselves.