Full Idea
Only those objects are substances which are being constituted under, and by, some nature, ..so that this nature, which is a principle rather than an element, is their substance.
Gist of Idea
A true substance is constituted by some nature, which is a principle
Source
Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1041b31)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.229
A Reaction
My view is that Aristotle never got to the point of articulating his hylomorphism, so this is just him fishing around, and pointing to where others should investigate. What sort of 'principle'?
Related Idea
Idea 12362 A thing's substance is its primary cause of being [Aristotle]