Plasma and Matter

Most closely corresponding to the four 'elements' of Ancient Science--Water, Fire, Air, and Earth--is not the 100 + 'elements' of the Periodic Table, but the traditional three 'states of matter' of Modern Science--Liquid, Gas, and Solid.  The reason why Fire has no Modern correlate is that it has been re-conceived as a transitional process, usually from Solid to Gas.  But, more recently, a replacement has emerged, to which some liken Fire--Plasma.  Plasma is a malleable medium of charged particles, which abundant naturally elsewhere, but not at the surface of the Earth, must be artificially produced for use in human society.  It thus epitomizes contemporary Technology--Matter that is artificial, electrical, and adaptable, i. e. it seems to be the distinctive Material Cause of contemporary Science.