Full Idea
The real essence is the constitution of the insensible parts of that body, on which those qualities, and all the other properties of gold depend.
Gist of Idea
Real essence is the constitution of the unknown parts of a body which produce its qualities
Source
John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 3.06.02)
Book Reference
Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.439
A Reaction
This is an unequivocal commitment to the possibility of a real traditional Aristotelian essence. All of Locke's reservations, and even his scorn, are reserved for the apparently insurmountable epistemological problems. Locke needed a time machine.
Related Idea
Idea 12520 The best I can make of real essence is figure, size and connection of solid parts [Locke]