p When we denned matter we contrasted it to consciousness. Yet, as already pointed out, it differs not only from consciousness, but also from its own entities, states and properties. In this sense matter is what underlies all its manifestations-specific states and properties. As substance, 101 matter is the basis of all that exists. The various phenomena observed in the world are but manifestations of the single material nature, the various forms of its existence, its various states and properties. In this respect consciousness as a specific property of matter does not oppose matter’s other properties, but occupies an equal place among them. Like any other property ot matter, it has a reason for its existence in matter, in its certain organisation.

p As distinct from metaphysical materialism , which sees matter’s substantiality in its unchangeability, dialectical materialism ties up the substantiality of matter with its continuous motion jmd change, during which matter transforms from one qualitative state into another and “remains eternally the same in all its transformations".  [101•1  This is expressed, above all, in the constancy of its quantity, which remains the same under any change. As regards the qualitative aspect of matter, its substantiality is expressed in the preservation of its basic properties or attributes. “...None of its [matter’s- Author] attributes can ever be lost. . . .”  [101•2  If it is lost in one place, in one material entity, it will inevitably manifest itself elsewhere, in another material entity.

p Moreover, the substantiality of matter is also expressed in the ability of each of its entities to be transformed under certain conditions into any other entity. Any “elementary” particle, for 102 example, can change under certain conditions into another “elementary” particle. This means that every material entity possesses in itself, in its nature, all the properties of matter.

The material unity of the world is expressed in ’the substantiality of matter. The infinite muTtitude of various phenomena that make up reality has one material origin, constituting the various forms, states or properties of matter.