Posted by Darren (208.143.232.66) on June 05, 2003 at 13:13:08:
In Reply to: Question for John Collins. posted by David on June 05, 2003 at 11:21:03:
: Hi John,
: Do you think the refrence "the jack fires, the bow twangs" refers to the springs releasing their energy?
: David
Just my two cents... just in case anyone else is interested...
I did a search on dictionary.com for the word "jack" and it came up with some interesting stuff...
4. A mechanical contrivance, an auxiliary machine, or a subordinate part of a machine, rendering convenient service, and often supplying the place of a boy or attendant who was commonly called Jack; as: (a) A device to pull off boots. (b) A sawhorse or sawbuck. (c) A machine or contrivance for turning a spit; a smoke jack, or kitchen jack. (b) (Mining) A wooden wedge for separating rocks rent by blasting. (e) (Knitting Machine) A lever for depressing the sinkers which push the loops down on the needles. (f) (Warping Machine) A grating to separate and guide the threads; a heck box. (g) (Spinning) A machine for twisting the sliver as it leaves the carding machine. (h) A compact, portable machine for planing metal. (i) A machine for slicking or pebbling leather. (k) A system of gearing driven by a horse power, for multiplying speed. (l) A hood or other device placed over a chimney or vent pipe, to prevent a back draught. (m) In the harpsichord, an intermediate piece communicating the action of the key to the quill; -- called also hopper. (n) In hunting, the pan or frame holding the fuel of the torch used to attract game at night; also, the light itself. --C. Hallock.
5. A portable machine variously constructed, for exerting great pressure, or lifting or moving a heavy body through a small distance. It consists of a lever, screw, rack and pinion, hydraulic press, or any simple combination of mechanical powers, working in a compact pedestal or support and operated by a lever, crank, capstan bar, etc. The name is often given to a jackscrew, which is a kind of jack.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
I just thought that was interesting so... I thought I'd share :-)
Darren