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Chap. 126. Of the motions and figures of the four na∣tural Elements.
THe motions that make the natural figure of earth, are not so curious, nor the matter they work on so fine, as those which make fire, air, and water; for the materials being gros∣ser, their work is rougher, like morter that is made of hair, and lime, and the motions moving not so evenly, or distinctly, but rather mixtly, causeth it to be sad and dark, the solidity, weight, and drought are caused by the contracting, attracting, and retentive motions, which motions are the chief workers and creators of this element, which work like ants, drawing all thereto, making it like a round heap, or like a Load-stone, that attracts the solid matter.
The slimie or gelly part of the earth is made by such kinde of motions as spin small lines lik Silk-worms, in a round hollow ball; water is made after that manner, onely those lines extenuate more into perfect circles.
Natural and pure air is made by such a kinde of motion, as spiders spin webs, smal lines spread, and enterwoven e∣venly.
Natural fire is made by such kinde of motions, as the art of whetting, or sharpening, or pointing with a grind-stone, or Load-stone or the like, and is made like the stings of Bees, which pierce, and wound whatsoever they can enter.
Natural light is made by such kinde of motions, as wier∣drawing, or drawing a small thread from a spindle.
Natural darknesse is made by such kinde of motions, as winding up threads upon bottoms, in a heap.
I say natural, because they keep their original form, and is the right kinde, and true shape, as I may say of man-kinde; For if a creature should be partly a beast, and partly a man, it were not of the right kinde, and true shape.
Likewise Elements may be of the right kinde, and yet be different as mankinde, for every particular man is not alike, neither in shape nor quality, the like may elements differ.