TEXT 19.

The Element of the aire hath many procrea∣tions in it, all which are yet meer aire. Every Philosopher should well understand this, that no Element can begat another thing out of it selfe but that which it is of it selfe. Like ever be∣getteth its like.* So then, seeing the aire is invisi∣ble, it can bring nothing visible out of it selfe. And whereas it is impalpable, it can produce nothing that may be touch'd. Therefore (as I may so say) it doth melosinate. And though that be from the aire, yea be the very aire, and nothing else;* yet the conjunction is made in another Element, which is the Earth. For here Page  19may a conjunction be made from the aire to a man, as it cometh to passe by Spirits in all witch∣crafts and inchantments. The same may be said here as was of the Nymphs, who though they live in the Element of water,* and are nothing but water, yet have they freedome to converse with things on the Earth, and to generate with them. The like compaction also is there from the aire, which may be seen and felt; yet as a procreation of the first separation, but onely as a consequence. For as a beetle is bred of dung, so may a monster of the airy Element assume a bodily shape with airy words, thoughts and deeds, by a mixture with that which is earthy. Neverthelesse such kind of miracles and conse∣quences doe at last decay againe into the aire, as Nymphs turn into water, just as a man by rot∣ting is consumed and turned to earth, because he came from thence.