The Element Earth

In ancient Greek philosophy and science, Earth was named as one of a quartet of elements. The other three of great import, we're taught, were water, air, and fire. The ancients named four "humours," one to parallel each element. Black bile was most like earth--described as heavy, cold, and dry. These points were taught in Aristotle's time. The Pythagoreans declared that Earth revolved around the Sun. "Blasphemers!"--the response from some. The ancients also found that Earth's a sphere, not flat, as most believed. Much knowledge of this element called Earth is based on what was learned before the time of Christ about geometry, cartography, and medicine . . . the list goes on. March 9, 2016