DISCOURSE IV.

ON THE NATURE AND PROPERTIES

OF THE ELEMENTS.

Since we have dealt in the preceding discourse with the principles of natural things in general, we must now discuss the elements, which are the immediate principles of mixed bodies mixed bodies: substances composed of a combination of the four elements. An element is a simple body that remains at the end of the resolution of mixed bodies, and from which mixed bodies are primarily composed.

Aristotle, in his book On the Heavens, establishes that there are four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Their nature is distinguished by the primary qualities, which are Heat, Cold, Dryness, and Moisture.

See Commentary on Aristotle on Generation and Corruption.

These qualities are not present in the elements in a diminished state, but in the highest and most intense degree. For although in mixed bodies, which consist of elements, these qualities are diminished through mutual action and reaction, in the purest elements themselves—if such were to exist—they would exist in the highest degree.