E2D5

Definition — Part II

Latin

Duratio est indefinita existendi continuatio.

Explicatio: Dico indefinitam quia per ipsam rei existentis naturam determinari nequaquam potest neque etiam a causa efficiente quæ scilicet rei existentiam necessario ponit, non autem tollit.

English (Elwes 1883)

Duration is the indefinite continuance of existing.

Explanation: I say indefinite, because it cannot be determined through the existence itself of the existing thing, or by its efficient cause, which necessarily gives the existence of the thing, but does not take it away.

Modern English

Duration is the indefinite continuation of existing.

Explanation: I say indefinite because it cannot be determined by the nature of the existing thing itself, nor by the efficient cause, which necessarily posits the existence of the thing but does not take that existence away.