Full Idea
In the 'material cause/explanation', it is especially important to emphasise Aristotle's view that it is not simply the parent that generates the offspring, but the form of the parent.
Gist of Idea
A 'material' cause/explanation is the form of whatever is the source
Source
report of Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE]) by Vassilis Politis - Aristotle and the Metaphysics 2.4
Book Reference
Politis,Vasilis: 'Aristotle and the Metaphysics' [Routledge 2004], p.54