Heya - >>>so if you accumulate one of them from "somewhere", you'd think that "somewhere" would experience a depleation of that single element.<<< That was my question, exactly. I'm feeling the best answer is that in fact the universe is infinite and therefore don't worry about it.... >>> Also, if the vaccum of space is a physical manifestation of sorts, but one which is not supposedly made up of matter, do the four elements still prevade there?<<< I'm a beginner but I will have a stab at an answer, seeing as how I'm here: yes. Certainly akasha is there! And the elements and fluids must be there too. We're talking many times finer than atoms and quarks here! >>> How many elements are required to make up the various energy types?<<< That depends on how many you think exist, I suppose. Bardon says vital energy (which I feel is the same as 'chi' or whatever) is slightly more electric... think I'll leave the more knowledgeable to answer this. J [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]