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CHAP. VII.
Of Fire.
a 1.1 THE first Element is that of Fire, which, as all bodies tend to the middle, enclineth, as much as the lightnesse of its Nature permits, to the centre of the world, by a circular moti∣on round about it.
b 1.2 There are (according to Zeno) two kinds of fire, one arti∣ficiall, requisite to the use of life, which converteth nutriment into it self; the other inartificiall (soc 1.3 Cicero renders 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) by which all things grow, and are preserved;d 1.4 for whatsoever is nourished and groweth, compriseth within it self the power of heat. This fire is diffused through all the parts of the World, and they are all sustained by it. That it is in the Earth appeareth by Seeds and Roots, which spring up and grow by the tempera∣ment of this heat. That it is in Water appeareth, forasmuch as Water is susceptible of greater cold, as by freezing. It is conse∣quently in air also; that being a vapour extracted from Water, and supply'd by motion of the heat which is in the Water. But primarily, and originally, it is in the Element of fire, a Nature absolutely hot, which dispenseth salutary▪ vitall heat to all other things.c 1.5 This is Nature, saith Zeno, and the Soul: Of fire consist the Sun, Moon, and Starrs.