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#107133 07/06/03 11:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
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wwh Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
W
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
The word "cochlear" in the Thayer site is said to mean both screw and snail. The Greeks had olive oil and wine presses
based on a wooden screw by 100 BC. But metal screws did not appear until the 1500s. I first heard the word describing the structure in the inner ear, which does look like a smail with conical helix. I couldn't find any pictures of the wine or oil presses, but I suppose they looked something like the first printing presses.
I used to wonder if the snail shell inspired the invention of the screw as a boring tool, an auger.


#107134 07/06/03 11:24 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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A slow screw that augured well for the future?


#107135 07/06/03 11:40 PM
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Carpal Tunnel
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I'm sure this will Phill-up and spiral with many bad puns... better quickly find your slot...



formerly known as etaoin...
#107136 07/07/03 04:21 PM
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wwh Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel
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As a semirhotic Bostonian, I regret having added a superfluous "r" at end of this word.



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