Ideas from 'De rebus naturalibus' by Jacob Zabarella [1590], by Theme Structure

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8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 3. Powers as Derived

16740

A power is not a cause, but an aptitude for a cause

			Full Idea: A power is not the cause of an operation, but only the cause's aptitude for operating.
			From: Jacob Zabarella (De rebus naturalibus [1590], De fac anim 4:col 692), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 23.5
			A reaction: His example is the power of running, which is actually caused by the soul (or whatever), which generates the power. A power is a very superficial thing.

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / b. Prime matter

16571

Prime matter is exceptionally obscure

			Full Idea: Nothing in the natural world seems to be more obscure and difficult to grasp than the prime matter of things.
			From: Jacob Zabarella (De rebus naturalibus [1590], I.1 col 133), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 2.1
			A reaction: This spells the beginning of the end for 'prime matter', since a late scholastic is doubting it, even before the scientists got to work. Most modern Aristotelians slide quietly past prime matter, as unhelpful.