 Defining the series on the basis of three elements (each with its own property: ḫāṣṣiyya), allows Avicenna to include the possibility of a multiplicity of intermediate terms (Ilāhiyyāt, VIII, 1, 327, 12–328, 3). In a series, in fact, the first term—the absolute cause—has the property of being the cause of all that is other than itself; however the middle term, which is a cause for one part of the series and an effect for the other, may repeat this relation in a multiplicity if not in an infinity of elements (in an eternal succession of causal relations); the effect that is simply caused, finally, has the property of being the cause of nothing. This proves to be the pattern of a causal series as such; and this is so not only because any series has its own first principle, but also because every causal series and then every causal relation finally refers to a Principle that provides its foundation by transcending it: every causal series implies a First absolute cause by which each of its elements is caused (Ilāhiyyāt, VIII, 1, 328, 4–329, 4). A causal chain without a primum is therefore impossible; if it is posited, this occurs “only through language” (bi-l-lisān; lingua tantum). The true causal series (i.e., the causes that always exist along with their effects) are themselves always finite (on infinity, see McGinnis 2010b).