Note 12 — Chapter I

The distinction is sometimes expressed by saying that an abstract name is the name of an attribute, a concrete name the name of a substance. If by substance is merely meant whatever possesses attributes, then this distinction is equivalent to that given in the text; but if, as would ordinarily be the case, a fuller meaning is given to the term, then the division of names into abstract and concrete is no longer an exhaustive one. Take such names as astronomy, proposition, triangle: these names certainly do not denote attributes; but, on the other hand, it seems paradoxical to regard them as names of substances. On the whole, therefore, it is best to avoid the term substance in this connexion.