Full Idea
Substantial forms might well be viewed as an early step in the development of scientific essentialism.
Gist of Idea
Substantial forms were a step towards scientific essentialism
Source
Robert Pasnau (Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 [2011], 24.4)
Book Reference
Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.564
A Reaction
This is the scholastic view of substantial forms, which is much more physical and causal, rather than Aristotle's more abstract view. The rejection of substantial forms led to the 'Humean' view of laws of nature.