What is the place of the concept of life in philosophy of nature and metaphysics? How does this concept give structure to our thinking about nature and to nature itself? In this first monographic treatment of Fortunio Liceti, these questions are addressed. Central to this project is the inquiry into the explanatory capability of hylomorphism, which is examined in the form of Liceti’s philosophy. The study highlights the work of Liceti, whose philosophy, despite his influence on the development of atomism and his acquaintance with Galileo Galilei, has largely been neglected.