Oxygen Quote by Mark Forsyth
““Oxygen was called flammable air for a while, but it didn't catch on.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Etymologicon, 2011
Oxygen was once called “flammable air,” but the term fell out of use.
In simple terms: Old name for oxygen was flammable air.
Key Takeaway
Scientific terms evolve over time.
Themes
science
history
language
terminology
change
Mood
informative
curious
Type
educational
historical
When to use this quote
- science education
- museum exhibits
- academic papers
Key Concepts
etymology
chemical discovery
public understanding
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some scientific names persist?
- How does language affect scientific literacy?
A Different Perspective
Old names can cause confusion.
![“Wouldst like to con a glimmer with me this early black?’, which he [Cab Calloway] helpfully explains as ‘the proper way to ask a young lady to go to the movies’. It should be noted here, that if the object of your affections replies ‘Kill me’, they are not requesting to be euthanatised and you…” quote by Mark Forsyth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c4/mark-forsyth-19782_cab-calloway_wouldst-like-to-con-a-glimmer-with-me-th_738657.jpg)
