Philosophy reformed & improved in four profound tractates.: The I. discovering the great and deep mysteries of nature: by that learned chymist & physitian Osw: Crollivs. The other III. discovering the wonderfull mysteries of the creation by Paracelsvs: being his philosophy to the Athenians. / Both made English by H. Pinnell, for the increase of learning and true knowledge.

TEXT 18.

In like manner must we think of the Element of the earth, that all things that are out of the earth do retaine the nature thereof. And though the minerall liquors may be taken for fire, yet are they not fire. Brimstone doth not therefore burn because it is of a fiery Element. For that which is cold will burn as well as that which is hot. That which burneth to ashes is not the Element of fire, but the fire of the earth. And that fire is not to be taken for the very Element. Nor is it the Element, but onely the wasting of the earth, or of its substance. Water may burne and flame as well as any thing else: and if it burn, then is

it watry fire. Againe, whereas the fire of earth will burn and blaze, it is not therefore to be ac∣counted fiery, though it be somewhat like to fire. He is but a silly and sensuall Philosopher that calleth the element according to that which he perceiveth. Thus rather should he think, that the Element it selfe is far another thing then such a fire as this. And for what cause? All that moystneth is not the Element of water. Even the Element of Earth may be brought into water, yet it remaineth earth still. Whatsoever, likewise is in the earth, is of the Element of earth. For it is, and is known by the property of that our of which it proceeded, and to which it is like. A man may strike fire out of a flint and calcedony. That is not elementall fire, but a strong expression out of great hardnesse.

Notes

• What the mi∣nerall moy∣stures are. Why brim∣stone burneth.
• Water may be made burn.
• Whence a Philosopher should deno∣minate things.
• Earth may be reduc'd into water.
• A flint and calcedony give fire.