I love when there's word you want to double check because it sounds too modern for the time period you're writing in, and it turns out the first usage was in the 1600s. In retrospect, it makes sense. It's still always surprising.
Replies
I was recently shocked to discover the word ‘scientist’ was only coined in 1833.
aug 10, 2025, 2:58 pm • 1 0 • view
I believe "naturalist" was used before then.
aug 10, 2025, 2:59 pm • 1 0 • view
Natural philosopher was also one - natural philosophy was what science was called up until that point, since as far back as the ancient greeks
aug 10, 2025, 10:19 pm • 3 0 • view
Which word was it this time? I'm always surprised and delighted by these.
aug 10, 2025, 2:53 pm • 2 0 • view
Synthetic, which makes sense because synthesize being around during alchemical times would fit.
aug 10, 2025, 2:54 pm • 4 0 • view
Wow. I totally would have thought that was from the 1900s. Or at least post-industrial revolution.
aug 10, 2025, 2:56 pm • 3 0 • view
Right?? That's why I went to check. I was writing about synthetic dyes.
aug 10, 2025, 2:56 pm • 2 0 • view