The Summary of Physics Restored

125Nor do the bodies of earth and water, though neighbours in place, change into one another. Their proximity only causes them to mingle: water dilutes earth, and earth thickens water. Mud results, a body that is neither, but intermediate between the two. If heat resolves it, each nature is completely separated: water flies off and earth settles, without any mutual conversion. The single quality they share, coldness, cannot accomplish that conversion, since the opposition of dryness and moisture is no less powerful in resisting than their common agreement in coldness is in uniting. Moreover, earth’s dryness and fixation oppose water’s moisture and volatility. Thus only one quality favours alteration, while several oppose it and will prevail in resistance. Nature too will intervene: always ready to preserve herself, she never inclines towards destruction and transformation unless compelled or overcome.