Full Idea
We should replace the traditional interpretation of Aristotelian essences - as clusters of universal properties - with an interpretation according to which an essence is an individual substance, though not a composite or sensible substance.
Gist of Idea
Aristotelian essence is not universal properties, but individual essence
Source
report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], ess) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle 5
Book Reference
Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.143
A Reaction
I get the impression that this is a growing view amongst Aristotle scholars, which really ruins a widespread view which I associate with Wiggins, that essences are to do with categories, sortals and kinds. I associate essences with explanations.