| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Timaeus by Plato: fibres to which they are akin, and the flesh out of the clots which are
formed when the fibres are separated. And the glutinous and rich matter
which comes away from the sinews and the flesh, not only glues the flesh to
the bones, but nourishes and imparts growth to the bone which surrounds the
marrow; and by reason of the solidity of the bones, that which filters
through consists of the purest and smoothest and oiliest sort of triangles,
dropping like dew from the bones and watering the marrow. Now when each
process takes place in this order, health commonly results; when in the
opposite order, disease. For when the flesh becomes decomposed and sends
back the wasting substance into the veins, then an over-supply of blood of
diverse kinds, mingling with air in the veins, having variegated colours
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Concerning Christian Liberty by Martin Luther: reputation of falsehood and unrighteousness, or to suspect him of
these, as we do when we disbelieve him.
Thus the soul, in firmly believing the promises of God, holds Him
to be true and righteous; and it can attribute to God no higher
glory than the credit of being so. The highest worship of God is
to ascribe to Him truth, righteousness, and whatever qualities we
must ascribe to one in whom we believe. In doing this the soul
shows itself prepared to do His whole will; in doing this it
hallows His name, and gives itself up to be dealt with as it may
please God. For it cleaves to His promises, and never doubts that
He is true, just, and wise, and will do, dispose, and provide for
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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 O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: them, not if I'm damned for it."
Marie turned away, wringing her hands.
"Oh, Emil, you won't try! Then all our good
times are over."
"Yes; over. I never expect to have any
more."
Emil gripped the hand-holds of his scythe
and began to mow. Marie took up her cherries
O Pioneers! |
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 Pathology of Lying, Etc. by William and Mary Healy: about her peculiarities in this respect. It was very apparent
that she showed real understanding of the forces which had
influenced her. It should be noted that we felt sure that it is
not only the strength of imagery, namely, of actually recollected
material, but also of imagination which is characteristic of this
girl's mental make-up. This was noticeable, as we have shown
above, in the ``Aussage'' Test. In our notes on psychological
findings we stated that the girl has both strong emotions and
strong convictions, together with her other qualities. She
expressed herself with considerable vehemence, and under
observation we noted changes from pleasantness to extremely ugly
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