The Summary of Physics Restored

171The specific forms of mixed bodies conceal within themselves a dim knowledge of their origin. By their own power and a hidden movement, they rise like waters to the height of their source. Thus the human soul, because it derives from the divine source of uncreated light, turns back towards that source through the mind’s penetration and contemplation. The forms of other animals, because they came forth from the hidden treasures of Heaven and the Sun, return that far through natural instinct and a kind of imperfect recollection. Hence we may observe the frequent predictions made by living creatures concerning the Sun’s movement and changes in the heavens. The forms of plants, however, are mostly airy and breathed into them from the lowest region of our air. They therefore cannot carry or extend their powers and faculties beyond it. They raise their heads upwards into the air as far as they can, as though about to return to their homeland, but are prevented from passing beyond the narrow bounds of their bodies. They lack animal sensation and movement, because so little solar power is present in them that it suffices only for the movement of growth. In the order of Creation, plants preceded the Sun. They therefore do not owe their birth and the ancient beginnings of their life to it in the same measure as animals, but acknowledge luminous air as their more immediate agent. For Nature’s decree judged the disposition of their matter unequal to sustaining a higher form.