In ancient times, scientists, philosophers and magi divided matter into four basic elements: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. It has been said that these elements are the building blocks of life. A scientist and philosopher named Empedocles set this foundation for science in Sicily during the 5th century B.C. Empedocles belonged to the tradition of "Root Cutters," which means that he was an herbal magician and healer. He defined these elements, or "roots," as not only physical substances, but also.