Date:         Tue, 7 Nov 2000 22:12:11 -0500
Reply-To:     Javier Zavala <zavlomja@EC-RED.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Javier Zavala <zavlomja@EC-RED.COM>
Subject:      RV: inventions are incremental - Zoltan
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Gasoline in South America differs by country, in Peru (mine) it is Gasolina
but in Chile it is Benzina, others countries use Nafta and Brasil has yet
another term.

Javier Zavala
Fono:( 01) 9696933


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De: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
A: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Asunto: Re: inventions are incremental - Zoltan
Fecha: Martes 7 de Noviembre de 2000 05:19 AM

>The gasoline around the world is called "benzine", probably because it has
>something to do with Mr. Benz.
>Although in America it is "gasoline", in the other English speaking
>countries "petrol", in Europe proper it is "benzine".  I don't know what
it
>is called in South America.


The use of "benzine" for gasoline is unfortunate, as there is already a
specifical organic chemical with that name (actually used as a
lead-substitute in gasoline).

Use of "petrol" is also unfortunate, as it's just an abbreviation of
petroleum, which could be crude oil, gasoline, natural gas, diesel
distillate...

Gasoline is really no better, though pleasingly short, as it's not a gas at
all, and there are real gases available as gasoline substitutes...

Looks like the world needs a new word for the substance. Suggestions?

Andrew