Full Idea
If we know the nature of a particular that explains its properties, powers and capacities and relates them into intelligible clusters, then we can indeed infer from some of the powers and properties to others via its essential nature.
Gist of Idea
We can infer a new property of a thing from its other properties, via its essential nature
Source
Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 8.III)
Book Reference
Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.149
A Reaction
This is an optimistic assertion of precisely the possibility which Locke denied in Idea 12547. This optimism is the main reason for the revival of scientific essentialism in recent years. It just seems to be true of modern science.
Related Idea
Idea 12547 We know five properties of gold, but cannot use four of them to predict the fifth one [Locke]