Full Idea
Though lead is said to be composed of molecules of lead, these molecules are not leaden in the everyday sense of the word. This suggests that a property need not be present at the microscopic level in order to be present at the macroscopic level.
Gist of Idea
A lead molecule is not leaden, and macroscopic properties need not be microscopically present
Source
Stephen Mumford (Dispositions [1998], 02.3)
Book Reference
Mumford,Stephen: 'Dispositions' [OUP 1998], p.34
A Reaction
[He quotes Joske] This strikes me as a key principle to grasp about properties. One H2O molecule is not water, any more than a brick is a house! Nearly all properties (or all?) are 'emergent' (in the sensible, non-mystical use of that word).