Text: [Alchemy] Aristotle wrote: "Elements are simple substances of which the universe is composed and one of which cannot be separated into the other." Aristotle held that there is one primary matter and four fundamental qualities: heat and coldness, dryness and wetness. Their combinations are material elements: fire, water, air and earth. According to Aristotle, all bodies are composed of these elements. Aristotle's teaching was the theoretical foundation of alchemy and various natural philosophy schools for many centuries to come.

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