The Four
Elements in Ascending Order
Greek philosophy supposed
the Universe to comprise four elements:
Fire, Air, Earth, & Water. The Four Elements are usually arranged as four
corners, but can also be arranged in ascending order,
from
bottom to top, the Earth rising out of Water,
Air over the Earth, and the Sun (Fire)
over all. Chemical reactions occur as the reactants try to
return to their proper place in the series. For example, the
burning of a log of wood produces fire that ascends rapidly,
smoke that arises in the air more slowly, the release of steam
which returns to water, and ash which returns to earth.
