Principles and roots

Alchemy symbols

Three that a fire reveals, and four that the old physics named.

1. 1
   SulfurWhat burns, and what gives a thing its character.
2. 2
   MercuryThe go-between. Metal, planet, principle, and a god who travels.
3. 3
   SaltWhat the fire cannot talk out of staying.
4. 4
   FireHeat that rises, and the temper called choleric.
5. 5
   AirHeat that does not scorch: blood, spring, thought.
6. 6
   WaterWhat sinks, gathers, and is felt before it is argued.
7. 7
   EarthWeight, melancholy, and the body that remains.
8. 8
   Philosopher’s stoneNot a rock. The name of the goal, and a diagram of a problem.