My latest cartoon for New Scientist

There is room for phlogiston and aether in that column too

Water is on there, just in two parts. Air is on there in many parts. Earth is in there in a ton of parts. Fire isn't in there at all as fire is a chemical reaction.

Very Nobel of them

The elements in that fifth column are a bunch of traitorsThe elements in that fifth column are a bunch of traitors

Okay but if I can be dumb for a moment what is fire? It’s not just energy right? Is it some kinda plasma? What is it made out of? My high school physics understanding tells me that plasma is when the ions or electrons break free or something, but it’s still an element right? Is ⚡️ made of H2?

All I can think about is: If Fire just squatted down, that dresser would be toast.

Someone else would like a word

a woman with red hair is standing in front of a door

ALT: a woman with red hair is standing in front of a door

This is now making me wonder what happened to Water when Earth, Wind And Fire got together and formed a band. I'm guessing late for rehearsals too often.

Haha, this is great! As a kid I was so excited to go to space science camp. I was with kids a couple years older for some unremembered reason. First day, counselor "give me an example of an element" Me : "Fire!", said loud and proud Counselor, "No!" That day I learned Greek mythology wasn't science.