Anthere wrote:
The opposite
problem is words that have fallen out
of use, that only
need to be explained to help people understand
really old texts, such
as Phlogiston.
Hummmmm.....I don't know that word. It is not in my
dic. Maybe it doesnot exist...anyway, it may belong to
wiktionary more than wikipedia maybe ?
Seriously, phlog and phlox means flame. I would
guess...that's an old type of lighter...or a cannon
filled with oil-enflammed tissue used in middle age
wars...
"Phlogiston" is from the 18th century, and you are right about its
connection with "flame". It was a substance that was theorized to exist
in every combustible thing, and which would be released when it was
burned. The closest modern concept might be carbon dioxide. There are
a lot of words like that which represent dead ends in old science.
Eclecticology