<P> Empedocles established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world -- fire , air , water , earth -- in other words , the several states of matter are represented , being energies , gasses , liquids , and solids . Empedocles called these four elements `` roots '' , which he also identified with the mythical names of Zeus , Hera , Nestis , and Aidoneus ( e.g. , `` Now hear the fourfold roots of everything : enlivening Hera , Hades , shining Zeus . And Nestis , moistening mortal springs with tears . '' ) Empedocles never used the term `` element '' ( Greek : στοιχεῖον , stoicheion ) , which seems to have been first used by Plato . According to the different proportions in which these four indestructible and unchangeable elements are combined with each other the difference of the structure is produced . It is in the aggregation and segregation of elements thus arising , that Empedocles , like the atomists , found the real process which corresponds to what is popularly termed growth , increase or decrease . Nothing new comes or can come into being ; the only change that can occur is a change in the juxtaposition of element with element . This theory of the four elements became the standard dogma for the next two thousand years . </P>
<P> Empedocles established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world -- fire , air , water , earth -- in other words , the several states of matter are represented , being energies , gasses , liquids , and solids . Empedocles called these four elements `` roots '' , which he also identified with the mythical names of Zeus , Hera , Nestis , and Aidoneus ( e.g. , `` Now hear the fourfold roots of everything : enlivening Hera , Hades , shining Zeus . And Nestis , moistening mortal springs with tears . '' ) Empedocles never used the term `` element '' ( Greek : στοιχεῖον , stoicheion ) , which seems to have been first used by Plato . According to the different proportions in which these four indestructible and unchangeable elements are combined with each other the difference of the structure is produced . It is in the aggregation and segregation of elements thus arising , that Empedocles , like the atomists , found the real process which corresponds to what is popularly termed growth , increase or decrease . Nothing new comes or can come into being ; the only change that can occur is a change in the juxtaposition of element with element . This theory of the four elements became the standard dogma for the next two thousand years . </P>
who said matter was made of fire earth air and water
who said matter was made of fire earth air and water
Empedocles
Empedocles