| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Aeroplanes and Dirigibles of War by Frederick A. Talbot: bullet-proof steel. Here again the prevailing practice is to
mount the gun as nearly above the rear axle as possible, and
to work it from the tonneau. The maximum elevation is also 75
degrees, with training throughout the entire circle.
Another type comprises a very light machine gun of rifle calibre,
and this is intended for attachment to an ordinary motor car.
There is a pedestal mounting which can be set within the tonneau,
while the weapon is pivoted in an outrigger, the latter being
free to rotate in its pivot jack. This arrangement enables the
arm to cover a wide range,while it also admits of training
through an extensive angle of elevation.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Parmenides by Plato: include consequences to the things supposed and to other things, in
themselves and in relation to one another, to individuals whom you select,
to the many, and to the all; these must be drawn out both on the
affirmative and on the negative hypothesis,--that is, if you are to train
yourself perfectly to the intelligence of the truth.' 'What you are
suggesting seems to be a tremendous process, and one of which I do not
quite understand the nature,' said Socrates; 'will you give me an example?'
'You must not impose such a task on a man of my years,' said Parmenides.
'Then will you, Zeno?' 'Let us rather,' said Zeno, with a smile, 'ask
Parmenides, for the undertaking is a serious one, as he truly says; nor
could I urge him to make the attempt, except in a select audience of
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Egmont by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: aware of my father's intentions? That I acted as a constrained, a passive
instrument of his will? What signifies now the opinion thou mayst
entertain of me? Thou art lost; and I, miserable wretch, stand here only to
assure thee of it, only to lament thy doom.
Egmont. What strange voice, what unexpected consolation comes thus to
cheer my passage to the grave? Thou, the son of my first, of almost my
only enemy, thou dost pity me, thou art not associated with my murderers?
Speak! In what light must I regard thee?
Ferdinand. Cruel father! Yes, I recognize thy nature in this command.
Thou didst know my heart, my disposition, which thou hast so often
censured as the inheritance of a tender-hearted Mother. To mould me into
Egmont |
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from The Lost Princess of Oz by L. Frank Baum: the Yip Country think because I am a big frog and talk and act like a
man that I must be very wise. I have learned more than a frog usually
knows, it is true, but I am not yet so wise as I hope to become at
some future time."
The King nodded, and when he did so, something squeaked in his chest.
"Did Your Majesty speak?" asked Cayke.
"Not just then," answered the Lavender Bear, seeming to be somewhat
embarrassed. "I am so built, you must know, that when anything pushes
against my chest, as my chin accidentally did just then, I make that
silly noise. In this city it isn't considered good manners to notice.
But I like your Frogman.
The Lost Princess of Oz |
