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Let us begin anew. As to the use of fire, considered as fire, we have no need of water. Rather the
contrary is to be made out; for water extinguishes fire.
And as for water, there is no use to be made of it in most
things without fire. For water heated becomes more usefill, whereas otherwise it is prejudicial. So that, of the
two, that is to be accounted best which is profitable of itself without the assistance of another. Besides, water is
beneficial only to the feeling, when you either wash with
it or touch it; but fire is profitable to all the senses, being
not only felt, but also seen at a distance; so that you may
add this to the rest of the virtues of it, that its uses are
manifold.
Plutarch. Plutarch's Morals. Translated from the Greek by several hands. Corrected and revised by. William W. Goodwin, PH. D. Boston. Little, Brown, and Company. Cambridge. Press Of John Wilson and son. 1874. 5.
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