A physical object, as Descartes describes, is “something extended, flexible, [and] changeable” (31). This definition, he explains, is more accurate for wax and can only be achieved once all of the wax's alterable characteristics have been eliminated. These characteristics include the smell, sound, taste, size, shape, consistency and temperature of the wax. As for the solid piece of wax, Descartes describes how it smells like flowers, makes a sound when tapped, tastes like honey, has a definite shape and size, is hard, and is cold to the touch. As for the melted piece of wax, he describes how it is in liquid form, makes no sound when tapped, has no odor, is larger than the solid piece, has no definite shape, is soft to the touch, and is warm to the touch. touch. Referring to this sensory data, Descartes then proceeds to describe how the senses alone cannot express a valid judgment on the true identity of the being.