Full Idea
The contents of the formula which explains a thing are parts of the whole.
Gist of Idea
The contents of an explanatory formula are parts of the whole
Source
Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1023a24)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.145
A Reaction
This is part of a catalogue of ways in which things can be parts [1023b08-25]. I like this, because it fits my general thesis, that the desire for explanation is the driving force behind our metaphysics.