Of some nouns on the other hand the denotation is
more limited; and by the aid of the limitation we have before our minds
not the common nature, but a limitation of anything, having, so far as
the peculiarity extends, nothing in common with what is of the same
kind; as for instance, Paul or Timothy. For, in a word, of this
kind there is no extension to what is common in the nature; there is a
separation of certain circumscribed conceptions from the general idea,
and expression of them by means of their names. Suppose then that
two or more are set together, as, for instance, Paul, Silvanus, and
Timothy, and that an enquiry is made into the essence or substance of
humanity; no one will give one definition of essence or substance in
the case of Paul, a second in that of Silvanus, and a third in that of
Timothy; but the same words which have been employed in setting forth
the essence or substance of Paul will apply to the others also.
Those who are described by the same definition of essence or substance
are of the same essence or substance ὁμοουσιοι. when the
enquirer has learned what is common, and turns his attention to the
differentiating properties whereby one is distinguished from another,
the definition by which each is known will no longer tally in all
particulars with the definition of another, even though in some points
it be found to agree.