An alchemical universe

[korora]

Suppose there is a universe that really is composed of fire (F), earth (T), wind (W), water (A), and ether (E). Letters in parentheses are alchemical symbols devised by a native of our universe.

How might the transition in said scientist's body be accomplished, to make keep him/her viable and recognizably human?

Eudyptula albosignata

[seraphim]

What scientist? What transition?

[mongoose]

we ARE composed of Earth and Ether, aren't we? Earth, in turn, being composed of plenty of carbon, water, and whatever else (I forgot those classes quickly), and Ether being spirit or soul.

I really don't think there's anything all that new or old, just different understandings of what has always been since Creation. They weren't wrong when they said everything was composed of earth, water, wind, fire and ether, they just didn't know the properties, characteristics and composition of the above as well as we do now.