7. The nominal essence bounds the species for us.
The next thing to be considered is, by which of those essences
it is that substances are determined into sorts or species; and that, it is evident, is by the nominal essence. For it is
that alone that the name, which is the mark of the sort, signifies. It is impossible, therefore, that anything should
determine the sorts of things, which we rank under general names, but that idea which that name is designed as a
mark for; which is that, as has been shown, which we call nominal essence. Why do we say this is a horse, and
that a mule; this is an animal, that an herb? How comes any particular thing to be of this or that sort, but because it
has that nominal essence; or, which is all one, agrees to that abstract idea, that name is annexed to? And I desire
any one but to reflect on his own thoughts, when he hears or speaks any of those or other names of substances, to
know what sort of essences they stand for.
