The word "Element" as used by the learned at the period when "Euphrates" was penned, meant rather a "state" of matter, such as the hot, cold, moist and dry natures; or the solid, liquid, gaseous or ethereal conditions; or the stationary, slow, quick or instantaneous processes of change.

— In our words · Source: Euphrates, or the Waters of the East (Thomas Vaughan (Vol. VII))