On 28 Jan 2011 06:30:29 GMT, Earl wrote:

David Nebenzahl wrote in
rs.com:

On 1/27/2011 6:11 AM Bill spake thus:

For the same reason you "dial" a phone number. Or apply "Ben Gay" on
sore muscles.

Yep on the dial, but dunno about "Ben Gay"; that's just a trade name.

So here's one for you, speaking of things archaic: why do we still say
"turn on a light"?



I have a lamp where the switch is 'turned'.
(not a wall switch, but on the lamp).

I'll bet 'turning on' a light predates electric lights. Oil lamps &
gas lamps needed turning, for the most part.

Jim