Four
          Elements, vertical

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.
                       

All text material © 2020 by Steven M. Carr