Chap. J. *4 Trf aft fe of BODIES. 45 



our fclves have determined,when we faid^there were two active 

 qualities, heat and cold, whereof the firft was in its grcateft cx- 

 celle in fire, and the latter in water. 



To reconcile thefe,. we are to confider that the action ofcold 

 in its greateft height is compofed of two parts;the one is a kind 

 of prelling, and the other is penetration which requireth appli- 

 cability. Of which two the former arifeth out of denfity, but 

 the latter out of moderation of denfity , as I have declared in 

 the precedent Chapter. Wherefore the former will exceed more . 6. 

 in earth, though the whole be more eminent in water. For 

 though confidering oncly the force of moving ( which is a 

 more fimpleand abffradfced notion, then the determination and 

 particularization of the Elements, and is precedent to it) there- 

 in earth hath a precedency over water : yet taking the a&ion as 

 it is determined to be the afrion of a particular Element, and as 

 it concurreth to the competition or diflolution of mixed bo- 

 dies; in that consideration ( which is the chief work of Ele- 

 ments, and requireth an intime application of the Agents } 

 water hath the principality arid excefle over earth. 



As for fire it is more avlive then either of them; as it j. 

 Will appear clearly if we confider, how when fire is apply- T hc manner 

 cd to fewell, and the violence of blowing is added to its own eetteth uro C 

 motion ; it incorporatcth it fclf with the fewell , and in a f wc !>P rov ^]v 



,, . c thatir cxcced- 



fmall time converteth a great part of it into its own nature, ch eart 

 and fhattereth the reft into fmoke and afhes. All which pro- 

 ceedeth from the exceeding fmalnefie and drynerTe of the 

 parts of fire; which being moved with violence againft the 

 fewell , and thronging in multitudes upon it ; they cafily 

 pierce the porous fubftance of it, like fo many extreme fharp 

 needles. 



And that the force of fire is as great and greater then of 

 earth, we may gather out of our former difcourfe; where ha- 

 ving refolved that denfity is the virtue by which a body is 

 moved and doth cut the medium'; and again confidering that 

 celerity of motion, is a kind ofdenfitie, (as we fhall bv and by 

 declare) it is evident, that fince blowing muft of nccefficy prcflfe 

 violently and with a rapid motion, the parts of fire againft the 

 fewel, and fo condenie them exceedingly there, (both by their 

 celeriry;andby bringing very many parts together thcre;)itmnft 



needs 



