An example of an (historical) alternative conception,
"Writing to Elizabeth I in 1565, the alchemist Thomas Charnock later recalled his own youthful follies during this period, when he studied magical books and dabbled in such 'vayne sciencis' as geomantia, hydromantia, aeromantia, and pyromantia – means of prophesying by manipulating the various elements."
Jennifer M. Rampling (2020) The Experimental Fire. Inventing English Alchemy, 1300-1700. The University of Chicago Press.
The 'vain sciences' here (geomantia, hydromantia, aeromantia, pyromantia) refer to the four traditional elements of earth, water, air and fire.
