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Full Idea
There is no reason why the matter in any natural thing should be stable in its nature, if it is not completed by a substantial form. But we see that silver is stable, and tin and other metals. Therefore they will seem to be perfected by substantial forms.
Gist of Idea
Substantial forms must exist, to explain the stability of metals like silver and tin
Source
Albertus Magnus (On Minerals [1260], III.1.7), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 24.2
Book Ref
Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.561
A Reaction
Illuminating. This may be the best reason for proposing substantial forms. Once materialism arrives, the so-called 'laws' of nature have to be imposed on the material to do the job - but what the hell is a law supposed to be?
16718 | Primary qualities are the cause of all the other sensible qualities [Albertus Magnus] |
16756 | Substantial forms must exist, to explain the stability of metals like silver and tin [Albertus Magnus] |