Essence is the intrinsic limitation of esse , the crystallization of existence, bordered by nothingness. Essence gives to being that it is of a certain type or kind. Esse gives to essence its existence. Essence is not a positive being apart from the existence of which it is the limitation, but it is definitely a positive principle of philosophy when understood as the intrinsic limitation of esse . Its function can be designated by affirmative terms, contraction, refraction, channeling of perfection, specification, determination.
All essences are modes of esse .
The created essence is not its esse , it is the intrinsic limitation of esse , the prism through which the intelligible riches and perfections of esse are refracted and contracted to this kind of being. Carlo is setting before our eyes a many-faceted metaphysical gem, but each facet leads us to the luminous heart of metaphysics. Essence is a certain capacity to exist. It is this or that capacity to exist. Essences don't exist.