Full Idea
The fundamental thesis of real essentialism is that every finite material body has a twofold composition, being a compound of act and potency. ...Reality can take on new kinds of existence because there is a principle of potentiality inherent in reality.
Gist of Idea
Bodies have act and potency, the latter explaining new kinds of existence
Source
David S. Oderberg (Real Essentialism [2007], 4.1)
Book Reference
Oderberg,David S.: 'Real Essentialism' [Routledge 2009], p.63
A Reaction
I take from this remark that the 'powers' discussed by Molnar and other scientific essentialists is roughly the same as 'potentiality' identified by Aristotle.