Re: virus: The naming of parts

Dylan Durst (ddurst@levien.com)
Wed, 2 Jun 1999 23:36:47 -0700 (PDT)

> To me, technology = tools. You use and make the best tools you can if
> you're any kind of craftsman at all. So far, homo sapiens sapiens is the
> only species that makes tools for making tools.

I'd agree with you, if you are refering mainly to tools of a non-biological proccess (Dogs turn sugars into ATP, they use that as a tool to enable their saliva generating cells, that make saliva (a tool, imho). If we can say that a dog makes shit, we should be able to say that they make ATP).

I'm tired of quoting dictionaries, but it seems relivant in this case.

Note definition #4 from m-w.com:

Main Entry: 1tool
Pronunciation: 'tl
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tOl; akin to Old English tawian to prepare for use -- more at TAW Date: before 12th century
1 a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : MACHINE TOOL
2 a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his tools> b : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing tool> c often vulgar : PENIS 3 : one that is used or manipulated by another 4 plural : natural ability <has all the tools>