Endoxa philosophica & medica

XV.
Nor are those better who posit that the organic is something different from living potentiality.
XVI.
But I also state against the moderns that this definition of the soul does not apply to the heavens.
XVII.
Finally, I add that the powers of the soul are not distinct from its essence.
XVIII.
But because this definition is not said univocally of the individual grades of the soul, knowledge of it remains confused unless the grades are considered one by one.
XIX.
By the first grade, namely the vegetative, plants live, for they use nourishment and generate.
XX.
Therefore, they are deceived who establish that the same reason is given for plants to the earth, and for the hairy to animals.
XXI.
But not all generate the similar, but only the more perfect: namely those which bear either seed or something analogous to seed. The more imperfect, although they seem to produce seed, nevertheless bring forth an imperfect thing. Some produce nothing at all, since they, being most imperfect, derive their origin only from putrefaction.
XXII.
Among the more perfect are found those which can be generated not by seed alone, but also in other ways, either by detachment or by offshoot. Add also, by putrefaction.
XXIII.
Nevertheless, it is rightly affirmed by the Philosopher: living things