whereof one end is fixed and the other free. (3) This
definition clearly comprehends the proximate cause.
II. (4) A conception or definition of a thing should be such
that all the properties of that thing, in so far as it is
considered by itself, and not in conjunction with other
things, can be deduced from it, as may be seen in the
definition given of a circle: for from that it clearly follows
that all straight lines drawn from the center to the
circumference are equal. (5) That this is a necessary
characteristic of a definition is so clear to anyone, who
reflects on the matter, that there is no need to spend time
in proving it, or in showing that, owing to this second
condition, every definition should be affirmative. (6) I
speak of intellectual affirmation, giving little thought to
verbal affirmations which, owing to the poverty of language,
must sometimes, perhaps, be expressed negatively, though
the idea contained is affirmative.

[97] The rules for the definition of an uncreated thing
are as follows:--
I. The exclusion of all idea of cause - that is, the thing
must not need explanation by Anything outside itself.
II. When the definition of the thing has been given, there must
be no room for doubt as to whether the thing exists or not.
III. It must contain, as far as the mind is concerned, no
substantives which could be put into an adjectival form;
in other words, the object defined must not be explained
through abstractions.
IV. Lastly, though this is not absolutely necessary, it should
be possible to deduce from the definition all the properties