proper render it (
Greek characters) this (aliud): this last kind is called specific.which make it different in quality, are simply(called) differences, for the difference of rational being added to animal, makes it another thing, (and makes a species of animal, ) but difference of being moved makes it different in quality only from what is at rest, so that the one renders it another thing, but the other only of another quality.[1]
3. Specific differences divide genus into species.According then, to the differences which produce another thing do the divisions of genera into species arise, and the definitions arising from genus and such differences are assigned. On the other hand, as to those which only make a thing different in quality, diversities alone consist, and the changes of subsistence of a thing; beginning then, again, from the4 Differences divided into separable and inseparable; these last subdivided into those "per se," and those "per accidens." Vide Whately and Mansel. first, we must say that of differences some are separable, others inseparable, thus to be moved, and to be at rest, to be ill, and to be well, and such as resemble these, are separable, but to have a crooked, or a flat nose, to be rational, or irrational, are inseparable differences. Again, of the inseparable, some exist per se, others by accident, for rational, mortal, to be susceptible of science, are inherent in man per se, but to have a crooked or flat nose, accidentally, and not per se. 5. Differences "per se" assumed for definition, and do not admit the ore and less; those "per accidens" contra.Wherefore, such as are present per se, are assumed in the definition of substance, and effect a different thing:, but what are accidental are neither taken in the definition of substance, nor render a thing another, but of another quality. Those too, which are per se, do not admit of the more and less, but the accidental, even if they be inseparable, admit of intention and remission,
- ↑ According to Porphyry, difference is always predicated "de specie differentibus," and he recognises only a relative difference between two given species; thus "rational" is not the difference of man per se, but of man as distinguished from brutes. Specific difference ((
Greek characters)) is opposed by him to accidental difference, ((Greek characters).) and marks the difference proper, which distinguishes species from species, (whether subaltern or infima,) as contrasted with accidental, which only distinguishes between individuals. We must distinguish, however, between the accidents of a class, and those of an individual. Vide Mausel's Logic, and upon this chapter generally, cf. Whately, b. ii. 5, sec. 4; Wallis, i. 4 ; Aldrich.
