First Definition

Noah Webster defined nature this way:

3. The essence, essential qualities or attributes of a thing, which constitute it what it is; as the nature of the soul; the nature of blood; the nature of a fluid; the nature of plants, or of a metal; the nature of a circle or an angle. When we speak of the nature of man, we understand the peculiar constitution of his body or mind or the qualities of the species which distinguish him from other animals. When we speak of the nature of a man, or as an individual of the race, we mean his particular qualities or constitution; either the peculiar temperament of his body, or the affections of his mind, his natural appetites, passions, disposition or temper. So of irrational animals. (Noah Webster." American Dictionary of the English Language." Foundation for American Christian Education: San Francisco, 1996.)

I would love to hear what people think about this one.