Ideas from 'The Origin of Forms and Qualities' by Robert Boyle [1666], by Theme Structure
[found in 'Selected Philosophical Papers' by Boyle,Robert (ed/tr Steward,M.A.) [Hackett 1991,0-87220-122-8]].
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2. Reason / D. Definition / 4. Real Definition
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15957
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Essential definitions show the differences that discriminate things, and make them what they are
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8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers
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15965
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Boyle attacked a contemporary belief that powers were occult things [Alexander,P]
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8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 6. Dispositions / a. Dispositions
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16735
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In the 17th century, 'disposition' usually just means the spatial arrangement of parts [Pasnau]
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9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / a. Hylomorphism
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16034
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Form is not a separate substance, but just the manner, modification or 'stamp' of matter
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15953
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To cite a substantial form tells us what produced the effect, but not how it did it
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12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / d. Secondary qualities
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15962
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Boyle's term 'texture' is not something you feel, but is unobservable structures of particles [Alexander,P]
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15964
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Boyle's secondary qualities are not illusory, or 'in the mind' [Alexander,P]
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14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism
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15960
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Explanation is deducing a phenomenon from some nature better known to us
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26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / g. Atomism
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15952
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The corpuscles just have shape, size and motion, which explains things without 'sympathies' or 'forces' [Alexander,P]
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26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 7. Later Matter Theories / b. Corpuscles
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15972
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The corpuscular theory allows motion, but does not include forces between the particles [Alexander,P]
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