ABSTRACT
Sixth century BC Thales of Miletos proposed that the basic element from which all things are made is water. 450 BC Empedocles taught that all matter
is composed of earth, air, water and fire. Around 400 BC, Greek philosophers (Leucippus, Democritus, Epicurus) proposed that if one could divide a piece of matter again and again, eventually a limit would be reached where no further subdivision could take place, this limiting amount of matter was called the atom. About 300 BC, Aristotle rejected the atomistic view and argued that matter is based upon the four basic elements of Empedocles but adds the qualities of coldness, hotness, dryness and moistness. Aristotle’s considerable reputation ensured that his ideas became embodied in religious teaching for many hundreds of years.
