Date   : Tue, 17 May 1983 18:45:11 EDT (Tue)
From   : Charlie Strom (NYU) <strom@brl-bmd.arpa>
Subject: Silicon vs. Silicone

Well, I cannot remain silent any longer - as a chemist by training (and a
microcomputer hacker by preference) I must once and for all call for a
halt to the interchangeable use of the words SILICON and SILICONE.

Silicon, as in Silicon valley, is an element, atomic number 14, atomic
weight 28. Silicon is a basic ingredient in sand, 8085's and the like.

Silicone, as in Raquel Welch, is a generic term for a number of synthetic
fats, oils and greases in which some of the carbon atoms are replaced by
silicon.

Please note these are not the same animal and should not be used inter-
changeably - it upsets the digestion1

                                               Charlie Strom