When I was in fifth or sixth grade, I learned the word vulcanization. It had to do with a heat process involving the manufacturing of rubber tires, usually involving adding sulfur to the mix. The word was derived from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, from which the word volcano also evolved.
Thus, I was somewhat confused when I started watching the original Star Trek television series. I was not a big enthusiast initially, but my father was. The first officer was a character named Spock, not to be confused with the then-famous pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock.
This Spock was part Vulcan and part earthling, AND he was FROM the planet Vulcan, which didn’t make a bit of linguistic sense to me at all. Someone from Venus is a Venusian, or a Martian is from Mars, and the fact that “Vulcan” was used as both the noun and the adjective bothered me somewhat.
I was not enough of a fan to know this: “Its inhabitants were originally called Vulcanians; a name used by Spock in the Original Series episode ‘A Taste of Armageddon’, by Federation colonists in ‘This Side of Paradise’ and by Harry Mudd in ‘Mudd’s Women’.” Now THAT makes much more sense.
Of course, that TV show lasted only three years (1966-1969), and that was that for Star Trek. Well, except for the animated series (1973-1974); four spinoff television series that ran from 1987 to 2005, sometimes concurrently; and a dozen films, starting in 1979, which has kept the Star Trek universe alive, if not most of the Vulcans. Or Vulcanians. (Is that a spoiler?)
(I blame New York Erratic, and those ears, for this post.)
“Live Long and Prosper.”
I always thought Spock was such an interesting character! I’ve never been a big Star Trek fan, but thought the latest movie was really good.
Jon worked with a rubber company some years ago – he made mould tools. I know about this! Interesting being an engineers wife! lol!
I didn’t know about the original name of Spock’s people. I always liked Spock.
Very interesting information.
I’ve never been a Trekkie or a Star Wars fan. Science fiction really holds no appeal for me. (Even though my late husband used to write sci-fi short stories!)
Leslie
abcw team
The Forge of Vulcan is a work of Diego Velázquez that I am passionate about!
It was the ears that attracted me, – I suppose one could train them to use as a fan at the Forge???
When I was in fifth or sixth grade, we lived close to a vulcanizing shop. Seriously. It was noisy. The fire was like Christmas firecrackers.
vulcanization.: there was a lot of this when I was growing up. We produced rubber, and I often wonder how a shop in Borneo would use such a big word.
I have never seen a Star Wars or Trek movie, I am completely ignorant.
But I have seen the Etna in Sicily which is still in action. That was very impressive !
Star Trek was my fav. Interesting how you linked it up with vulcanization and in turn with V
Vulcanians, who knew, I always like a bit of Star Trek trivia. The shows always seem to be on a revolve somewhere on the tv channels so who knows I might even catch those episodes.
Yes Star Trek was also one of my favourite series! Thanks for entering my post!
Thank you for your comment.Last week I couldn’t write on my blog as I was on holiday. I am back for a few days but have to organize a lot before leaving for Australia.
I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Wil, ABCW Team.