(8:27) But from
its definition (as we have shown, Notes ii., iii.), we cannot infer the
existence of several substances; therefore it follows that there is only
one substance of the same nature. Q.E.D.
PROP. [IX] The more reality or being a thing has the greater the
number of its attributes ([D.iv] ).
PROP. [X] Each particular attribute of the one substance must be
conceived through itself.
Proof.- (10:1) An attribute is that which the intellect perceives of
substance, as constituting its essence ([D.iv] ), and, therefore, must
be conceived through itself ([D.iii] ). Q.E.D.
Note.- (10:2) It is thus evident that, though two attributes are, in
fact, conceived as distinct, that is, one without the help of the other,
yet we cannot, therefore, conclude that they constitute two entities,
or two different substances. (3) For it is the nature of substance that
each of its attributes is conceived through itself, inasmuch as all the
attributes it has have always existed simultaneously in it, and none could
be produced by any other; but each expresses the reality or being of
substance. (10:4) It is, then, far from an absurdity to ascribe several
attributes to one substance: for nothing in nature is more clear than
that each and every entity must be conceived under some attribute, and
that its reality or being is in proportion to the number of its attributes
expressing necessity or eternity and infinity.
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