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**Article Three**
This article details the evidence of transformation and transmutation occurring within the four elements, concerning minerals, plants, and humans, and the entities that serve as intermediaries between them.
Beloved! Know that philosophers have stated: The evidence for transmutation occurring within the four elements is exceedingly clear.
The evident proof that fire transforms into air is that when candles burn, their flames rise upwards and become air. Were fire not transforming into air, the flames of candles would shine continuously as a bundle of light, rising like a line in the sphere of air and adhering to the sphere of fire. However, the dryness of these flames is less than the moisture of the air. Therefore, at that moment, the dryness of the fire transforms into the moistness of the air, thus becoming air.
The proof of air transforming into water: It is the dew, frost, and dampness found on plants in the morning during springtime and autumn. Indeed, this dew and frost are actually air which cools and transforms into water at dawn. For if the heat of the air transforms into the coldness of water, then that air becomes water.
The proof of water transforming into earth: The first drops of rain that reach the earth disappear as soil. This condition is constantly observable. Because the moistness of those raindrops is less than the dryness of the soil, they are overcome and the moistness of the raindrops transforms into the dryness of the soil, thus becoming water within the earth. When the raindrops multiply and the moisture increases, then that water becomes mud instead of earth.
The evident proof of earth transforming into fire: Plants and trees, though composed of the four elements, possess qualities superior to earth. When wood burns in fire, its particles transform into fire, leaving very little ash from the earthy portion. In some regions, they burn coal instead of wood; it leaves even less ash.
By the command and guidance of the Most High God, the heavens and stars revolve and move, mixing and kneading the four elements according to the aforementioned rule of transmutation (transformation). Thus, through the union and mixture of these four primary elements, first minerals arise, then plants, and then living beings. When living beings reach maturity, humans are created. There exist also composite entities between these ranked levels of four compositions – namely, those that lie between minerals and plants, such as coral; for corals are like stone in hardness, growing grain by grain from the bottom of the sea and emerging to the surface, where they dry and become leaves. The intermediate being between plants and animals is the date palm tree. For it is a plant yet does not bear fruit unless near its male counterpart. Moreover, when its head is cut off, it perishes, drying up without leaf or fruit. The clearest example of an intermediate being between animals and humans is the monkey. For, apart from its hair and tail, its exterior and interior resemble that of a human in all its organs. The wisdom behind the existence of these intermediate beings is that each of them ascends from their lowest rank to their highest degree, arranging the levels of existence in this lineage, culminating in the degree of humanity. Accordingly, humankind is the most excellent creation in the world.
The essence of the results of seven celestial spheres (fathers), four lower elemental mothers (the four essential elements), and three composite (mixed) entities (minerals, plants, and living beings) is the human body. Perhaps the cause and purpose of creation in both worlds are solely the humanity degree. The spheres, elements, and composites are the husk, envelope, and container of humankind. Humankind is the marrow, interior, and essence of the essence of all. All existence is a servant to humankind, for humankind is worthy of service and beneficence; its position within existence is honorable, glorious, and esteemed. For it is unique among all that was created; beautiful and knowledgeable beyond them all.