Thales of Miletus studied some aspects with amber and with certain types of rocks. Maxwell put it all together in four tidy equations. It is the dominant force in the interactions of atoms and molecules. Start with how democracies select their leaders. Next is a legal acronym to stop a harmful act. Next is slang for something wonderful, then the thing a basketball goes through. Finish with the singular of are and a single letter by itself.

Demanded by tyrants, Granted freely by streams, Let us honor the fallen, Who live on in our dreams

A sea of red, when all is dead, From broken ground I rise. A cure for pain, a sweet sedative strain, Or cloud your mind and blur your eyes.

I used to be one, but aeons wore me down, From what i am now, time's passage was drawn. Cast me in flame, unite me true, and once i am pure, you will see through.

Columbus travelled the seas with me, Harry's parents filled his vault with me. Lose one letter and you can measure fluids with me.