The Summary of Physics Restored

131Water, occupying an intermediate nature and station between earth and air, disturbs both through its mobility and inconstancy. It pollutes air with black soot and noxious vapours and often submerges earth in floods. It brings whirlwinds to air, ruin to earth, and corruption to both. Through lightness it invades the lodging above, through heaviness the dwelling below, as an enemy. By its abundance or scarcity it overturns the seasons and Nature’s order. Imperious, it moves and shakes every neighbouring region on either side with crashing and tumult. Since its whole nature is female, the supreme creator seems to have given it to the world as a woman and a necessary evil. Thus it arrogates everything to itself as its dominion and often turns to destruction the powers granted it for Nature’s benefit. Finally, it is the scourge of divine justice, an avenging Nemesis, appointed to punish the crimes of humankind. It rushes in to inflict punishment and, clothed in various forms, makes hope and wealth—the roots of pride—the sport of heaven.