One theory the Alchemists worked on was that all matter was composed of 4 basic elements, fire, earth, water, air. By manipulating these it was believed one could transform matter. (well, they were sort of right, they just didn't have the equipmebnt to split atoms!)
Just a collection of 'stuff' on a bookshelf
Shot w monopod, three shots, different lighting, staked in PhotoAcute. (EXIF taken from first shot)