A Special Educational Article from the Editor

This has never been done before; is it perhaps actually Super Special?

No, never mind.  It's just an ordinary kind of special.

These days one of the first things a child learns upon leaving the womb is the Periodic Table of the Elements.  Most children's first words are things like "Lanthanide Series."  The Periodic Table organizes the more than 100 elements that scientists say compose everything on earth.  The popularity of this chart is understandable, as some elements appeal to the juvenile fascination with things exploding, and others have hilarious names such as "Molybdenum."

But what did people do before the Periodic Table craze began?  Well, in the past people thought of four basic elements when they considered the composition of our planet, which in those days was flat and held a much more influential position in the cosmos, as it was the center of the universe.  In those times most people didn't think of arranging these elements in a table.  Back then a table was something upon which to set things.  Those few who did attempt to collect the elements on a table found that only one of the elements would stay nicely on the table; the others either flowed over the edge, just floated around, or consumed the table and reduced it to ash.  Let us take a closer look at these forgotten elements.

•  Earth:  Earth in this sense is basically dirt.  From dirt springs a multitude of diverse plants, including Poison Ivy.  Do not touch Poison Ivy.  If you do, wash your hands (or whatever part of you touched it) soon after.  Earth has long been the staple diet of most humans.  Sometimes food is also ingested for sustenance, but I think you will find that dirt is more commonly eaten.

• Air�: This planet's atmosphere is essentially nothing more than Air�.  Air� is a mixture of gasses that is not only good for you, but fun to breathe, too!  You can find Air� at most stores and in many open areas.

• Water:  In the abyss of the ocean you may find some rather ugly-looking fish.  In many coral reef areas, you may find some very colorful and beautiful fish.  How can water be home to such a diverse population?  It's the special combination of hydrogen and oxygen that allows this.

• Fire:  Fire is hot!  Do not touch it unless you are fireproof.  Never play with matches!