The four elements in Robert Grosseteste's De Impressionibus Elementorum

TL;DR

Grosseteste's De Impressionibus Elementorum discusses classical elements and atmospheric phenomena, emphasizing experimental descriptions of phase transitions like bubbles, marking a notable shift from purely theoretical medieval works.

Contribution

The paper highlights Grosseteste's unique experimental approach to classical elements, especially his detailed descriptions of phase transitions, contrasting with earlier medieval treatises.

Findings

Descriptions of phase transitions involving bubbles

Reference to experiments in medieval physics

Distinct focus on atmospheric phenomena

Abstract

In De Impressionibus Elementorum, a treatise written by Grosseteste shortly after 1220, we can find a discussion of some phenomena involving the four classical elements (air, water, fire and earth), in the framework of an Aristotelian physics of the atmosphere. However this treatise strongly differentiates from similar works of the twelfth century for its referring to experiments. In fact, it contains some descriptions of phase transitions which are rather interesting, in particular when Grosseteste is discussing of bubbles.