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
Copyright © Janice Canerdy | Year Posted 2016
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