72 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



the Tattvas, chapter II), combines with the other 

 Tattvas in the proportions of 4 to i, and in the 

 mingling is modified by their qualities. Thus, 

 every molecule of Fdyu consists of four parts of 

 Fdyu and one each of the four other Tattvas, 

 forming a five- fold division; together with two 

 phases, negative and positive, which make up the 

 mystic seven-fold. This number is now recog- 

 nized in science as establishing the Periodic Law 

 or system, which, grouping elements according to 

 their atomic weight, shows that elements of similar 

 chemical behavior occur once in seven; that is, in 

 octaves as do the tones of the musical scale. 



Bearing in mind the process of their evolution 

 one after another from ethereal space to the cohe- 

 sive resistance of Prithivi, the earth vibration, it 

 should be understood that every successive Tattva, 

 even in its primary and most subtle form, becomes 

 more complex, for it contains the impress of those 

 preceding it. Thus, Prithivi partakes of the qual- 

 ities of the four preceding Tattvas, and adds its 

 own specific property. Two adjacent Tattvas 

 mingle more freely with each other than with the 

 more remote ones. For example, Prithivi and 

 Apas are more sympathetic and congenial than 

 Tejas and Prithivi; and Apas yields to Tejas be- 

 fore it does to Fdyu. We see this process exactly 

 illustrated in the change of ice (Prithivic state of 

 matter) through water to vapor. Akdsha inter- 



