In [[philosophy]], "sub-stance" is the essence, the unseen reality that "stands under" or is the foundation of that of which a thing outwardly consists, the real under-lying essence of actual being which is expressed by the changeable "accidents" or visible manifestations or perceptible qualities of the thing, even of persons; hence, physical matter is not of itself the fundamental substance of existence. | In [[philosophy]], "sub-stance" is the essence, the unseen reality that "stands under" or is the foundation of that of which a thing outwardly consists, the real under-lying essence of actual being which is expressed by the changeable "accidents" or visible manifestations or perceptible qualities of the thing, even of persons; hence, physical matter is not of itself the fundamental substance of existence. |