The Ancient Greek philosopher, Empedocles, described the physical world and its phenomena in terms of four \’roots\’; Fire, Air, Earth and Water. Phenomena and materials were supposed to arise by combinations and interactions of these when mediated by love and conflict. Later philosophers described these things as \’elements\’ and the term is still applied in a literary sense. Much later, \’elements\’ became applied scientifically to the more than 118 types of atoms that form all regular matter. The detailed study of the formation and properties of the elements makes up the modern subjects of nuclear physics and chemistry. The four traditional elements make up the world about us so we will look at some of the properties, compositions and characteristics of each from the viewpoint of modern science. The talks will contain aspects of Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Meteorology, General Science and History.