Ideas from 'Letters to Thomas Burnett' by Gottfried Leibniz [1703], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Philosophical Essays' by Leibniz,Gottfried (ed/tr Arlew,R /Garber,D) [Hackett 1989,0-87220-062-0]].

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9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance
The notion of substance is one of the keys to true philosophy
                        Full Idea: I consider the notion of substance to be one of the keys to the true philosophy. ....I imagine that philosophers will one day know the notion of substance a bit better than they do now.
                        From: Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Thomas Burnett [1703], 1699.01.20/30)
                        A reaction: This is a controversial remark at this historical moment, when the apparent Aristotelian commitment to substances was becoming discredited. Personally I would eliminate substance, but not just because physicists don't refer to it.
26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / c. Essence and laws
Gravity is within matter because of its structure, and it can be explained.
                        Full Idea: I believe that both gravity and elasticity are in matter only because of the structure of the system and can be explained mechanically or through impulsion.
                        From: Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Thomas Burnett [1703], 1699 draft)
                        A reaction: The significance of this remark is that gravity is held (in full knowledge of Newton's work) to be within matter, and not imposed from the outside. I believe we now postulate a particle as part of the explanation.