P3D Re: stereopticon or stereoscope?

[Tony Alderson <aifxtony@xxxxxxx>]

George Themelis wrote:
> I try to educate people not to use the term stereopticon for
> stereoscope but I feel I am wasting my time.

This used to be a "pet peeve" of mine, but I'm getting over it. The
thing we have to accept is that language is defined by usage, not
authority. For how are the definitions in the dictionary devined? The
"authorities" search existing literature and derive definitions from the
context. The meanings of words change over time; just try reading
Shakespeare without some footnotes. The original meaning of
"stereopticon" is of interest only to antique collectors, it's ripe for
reappropriation. The usage is already pervasive, let's not get too upset
about it. (Not that I'll use it that way of course. I'm too antique
myself!)

Tony Alderson

P.S. I try to educate people not to use the term "interocular" when they
mean "interaxial" but I feel I am wasting my time. :-)