"A sense is what has the power of receiving into itself the sensible forms of things without the matter, in the way in which a piece of wax takes on the impress of a signet-ring without the iron or gold"

Aristotle's quote is describing the five senses, which are the power to perceive the world around us. He is saying that the senses have the capability to take in the forms of things without the matter, similar to a piece of wax can take on the shape of a signet-ring without the iron or gold. This is a metaphor for how the senses can take in the information of the world without actually having to touch it. Aristotle is stressing the significance of the senses in comprehending the world around us. He is saying that the senses are the entrance to knowledge and understanding, and that without them, we would be unable to understand the world. This quote is a suggestion of the power of the senses and how they can assist us to comprehend the world.