The Secret Work of the Hermetic Philosophy

95It is more credible, however, that the corrupting fire, called contrary to Nature, is no different from the implanted fire but is its first degree. For the order of Nature requires corruption to precede generation. The implanted fire, agreeing with Nature’s law, therefore performs both, successively arousing two motions in the matter: first, the slower motion of corruption, stirred by a weak heat to soften and prepare the body; second, the more vigorous motion of generation, driven by a more pressing heat to animate and fully form the elemental body already disposed by the first. A double motion is thus produced by a double degree of heat in the same fire; it should not be regarded as two fires. The name fire contrary to Nature belongs with far greater justice to violent and destructive fire.