Substance (n.) does not require the concept of another thing from which it must be formed.
Substance (n.) is a term referring to the very structure of existence, underlying all events and things, and constituting the essence of the world.
Substance (n.) is “that which is", the present participle of einai; to be; that which eternally and unchangeably is, and of which everything else must be a transient form or mode.
Substance (n.) is form and not matter.
Substance (n.) is, ironically, insubstantial and creative, having nothing to do with that mongrel and neuter to do with that mongrel and neuter composite of matter and thought which some interpreters have supposed it to be.
Substance (n.) is not so difficult to to understand. It's best understood as closer to “the substance of one's remarks" than “the substance of a chair is wood".