The Term "Aerodrome."

Progress, Volume IV, Issue 7, 1 May 1909, Page 238

The Term "Aerodrome."

When Langley invented the word lie applied it to his flying machine, which is known in the history of aviation as "Langley's Aerodrome." The course followed was scarcely correct, but he obtained the sanction of use, and the sanction was as usual with the customs of language eoniirmed by Webster. But the Automotor journal discovered the error, and pointed out that as the word "hippodrome" means a place where horses run, the word '' aerodrome" ought similarly to indicate a place where aero machines fly. Therefore it uses the term editorially to signify a piece of land set apart for the trial of flying machines or the holding of races between them. The aeronaut Lanchester has attacked the editor, and there is rather a lively time between them. It is a pity that custom was not allowed to rule, especially as the first flighter might have been extended some courtesy in the matter. At present the problem rising out of the controversy for the average man to determine is when is a course a course, and when is it only a horse paddock? And the problem bids fair to be as those which the Sphinx used to deal in — hopeless.