SALT {symbol}, SULPHUR {symbol}, AND MERCURY {symbol}, which may be translated as Matter, Energy and Intelligence. They are in fact not three essentially different things, but only three modes of activity of one and the same thing; for everything is substantial, each contains a latent or active force, in each is the potentiality of consciousness, if it has not already become manifested therein. Everything exists, therefore, by reason of these “three substances,” and if we for the sake of forming some idea of their nature look at the world as a manifestation of _electricity_ (which must necessarily be substantial, as there could be no force without substance), we may compare them as follows: {symbol} to electric resistance. {symbol} to the tension of electromotive force. {symbol} to the intensity of the current. No one would ever think of these three measures as being separate entities, which like “substance, energy and intelligence” are merely three aspects or conceptions of one universal life; but these distinctions are necessary for the purpose of forming a conception. “Nothing can be thoroughly known without a knowledge of its beginning. Man is placed into _three substances_, in each of which he has a beginning; and each thing has its substance, its number and measure (constituting their harmony). From (the state of) these three substances originate all causes, origins, and also the understanding of diseases. These three substances, _Sulphur_, _Mercurius_, _Sal_, give to everything its corporeality, each substance having its own qualities. If these qualities are good (in harmony with each other) there will be no disease but if they enter into opposition to each other, disease (disharmony) will be the result. (_Paracelsus_, “Paramirum,” _Lib._ I., 1, 2, and 3).” Within these three kingdoms disorders may arise from either of the following _five causes of disease_: 1. From the _Ens astrale_; namely from surrounding conditions in external nature. 2. From the _Ens veneni_; meaning from poisons and impurities. 3. From the _Ens naturæ_; including causes inherited from the parents. 4. From the _Ens spirituale_; especially those caused by an evil will or morbid imagination. 5. From the _Ens Dei_; to which belong the ills arising from evil _Karma_ acquired during this or a previous incarnation; in other words, the result of _divine justice_. We will now attempt to define the meaning of these five beginnings. I.—ENS ASTRALE.[32] _Diseases arising from external influences_; whether from physical nature or from deeper causes; the planet upon which we live being itself an _astrum_ (star), having a physical and ethereal body, a life, a soul, a mind and a spirit.