37 



But this is in order that each of the elements may have two 

 powers, each * of which is common to the element placed 

 next to it, and one power which is different, in the same 

 manner as it was demonstrated in mathematical numbers 

 and figures; this different power being assumed from one 

 of the extremes ; and also in order that earth, according to 

 all the powers, may subsist oppositely to fire ; and that the 

 extremes may have two media, and the continued quantities 

 two ; the latter having solids for the media, but the former, 

 common powers. For let fire indeed be attenuated in its parts, 

 acute, and easily moved. For it has an attenuated essence, 

 and is acute, as having a figure of this kind [i. e. a pyramidal 

 figure], and on this account is incisive and fugitive f, and 

 permeates through all the other elements. It is also moved 

 with facility J, as being most near to the celestial bodies, and 

 existing in them. For the celestial fire itself is moved with 

 celerity, as is likewise sublunary fire, which is perpetually 

 moved in conjunction with it, and according to one circle, 

 and one impulse. Since, therefore, earth is contrary to fire, 

 it has contrary powers, viz. grossness, obtuseness, and diffi- 

 culty of motion, all which we see are present with it. But 

 these being thus hostile, and being solids, are also similar 

 solids. For their sides and their powers are analogous. For 

 as the gross is to the attenuated, so is the obtuse to the 

 acute, and that which is moved with difficulty, to that which 

 is moved with facility. But those are similar solids of 

 which the sides that constitute the bodies are analogous. 

 For the sides are the powers of which bodies consist. Hence, as 

 fire and earth are similar bodies, and similar solids, two ana- 



* For fttuv here, it is obviously necessary to 

 f For iiffetrixov in this place, read iivetxnxov. 

 | Instead of axivvrov here, it is necessary to read 



