Full Idea
A substance is a persisting and somehow basic object of reference that is there to be discovered in perception and thought, an object whose claim to be recognized as a real entity is a claim on our aspirations to understand the world.
Gist of Idea
We refer to persisting substances, in perception and in thought, and they aid understanding
Source
David Wiggins (Substance [1995], 4.1)
Book Reference
'Philosophy: a Guide Through the Subject', ed/tr. Grayling,A.C. [OUP 1995], p.214
A Reaction
A lot of components are assigned by Wiggins to the concept, and the tricky job, inititiated by Aristotle, is to fit all the pieces together nicely. Personally I am wondering if the acceptance of 'essences' implies dropping 'substances'.