Classical Elements
The dominant theory of classical elements, held by the Hindu, Japanese, and Greek systems of thought, is that there are five elements, namely Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and a fifth element known variously as Idea, Void "quintessence" or Aether (the term "quintessence" derives from "quint" meaning "fifth"). In Greek thought the philosopher Aristotle added aether as the quintessence, reasoning that whereas fire, earth, air, and water were earthly and corruptible, since no changes had been perceived in the heavenly regions, the stars cannot be made out of any of the four elements but must be made of a different, unchangeable, heavenly substance.[1]. The Greek Pythagoreans used the initial letters of these five elements to name the outer angles of their pentagram.
All other materials were formed by combining these elements together. Such as in the following cases taken from "Science Made Stupid."
Earth + Water = Mud, Air + Water = Soda Water, Earth + Fire = Bricks, Fire+Water= Tequila, Earth + Air = Smog.
Flat Earth Theory
The earth is flat, not a sphere. And, um, the hills and stuff aren't flat, but the earth is, anyway, I guess. Not much else to this one.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
1.3 Classical Elements vs Flat Earth theory
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5 comments:
As cool as it would be to spit over the edge of the Flat Earth, I had to go with the Classical Elements on this one. This is mostly due to getting tequila from mixing fire and water.
Further more, and I quote from wikipedia: "Regardless of whether the entire earth is flat or not, the surface of the Earth can be approximated as flat over small distances."
Here is someone arguing for the flat earth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wppjYDj9JUc
Are you the same anonymous that is doing all that crap to $cientology? Well, I guess I will let the link stay, buy only for two reasons. If you are the same anonymous, I don't want you starting in on me. And second, it is relevant. And his arguments, however false they may be, don't really lower the quality of the debate, sadly.
Please comeback again, I need more ad revenue.
Classic elements theory is, by far, the coolest bad science in the history of man...
...or at least in our debate here so far...
I mean, so many fantasy worlds would not be possible without the wonders of elemental principles, as evidenced through alchemy, sorcery, and other arcane principles. Aether also gives rise to great terms like ethereal and nether, or anti-aether.
I'm sure it's even related to common english terms like weather, either, whither, wither - the list goes on.
The coolest example I can think of though had to be the Battle Beasts of the late 80s. Though the system was simplified (wood, water, and fire - sort of a rock-paper-scissors battle model), the power of elemental theory still carried the day.
All flat earth's got is a bit of play in the Columbus travel myth. Columbus just got lost - he didn't think the world was still flat... Besides, the flat earth was made up of these elements.
Battle Beasts - for those too young or old to have experienced their awesomeness.
Note the symbols for water, fire and wood at the top of the page. Essential - in every way.
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