Eponyms have been around since antiquity, they abound today and for better or worse are here to stay. Named diseases alone number in thousands. The word has many meanings and relates to many subjects, but I'm musing about the eponyms we use in woodturning as something titled by a person's name.
As with our acronyms, the same eponyms often title several different things and also different eponyms often title the same thing. Ex: "Liam O'Neil Grind", "Ellsworth Grind" for an extended or swept back or side ground gouge. "Oland Tool" for an inserted bit tool used not only for hollowing but also for spindle and face turning. I suggest the eponym "Feltmate cutting Tool" when inserted bits are used in addition to hollowing. Maybe the eponym "Thovaldson Soak" would save us having to repeat the "World Famous Treatise" that so well describes it.
Some of our craft's eponyms appear to confuse more than describe, others save much tedious description. Some evoke arguments re authenticity or originality of the 'eponymee' who more often than not published or publicized a tool or technique that someone else originated long ago.
I reckon that as an eponym becomes universally agreed upon and used, it becomes useful, almost necessary, to describe a grind, tool, technique, attitude, philosophy etc. Until that happy day arrives, an eponym can cause trouble.
What do you all think about our eponyms? Which ones are helpful. which are not? Who cares? I doubt "McBurney's Point" will join the "Raffin Cut" in our vernacular. Anyway, it's no "Hobson's Choice".
BTW, you might want to try the "Arch Grind" on your best skew; the edge is blunt, nicked, ragged and blued. It lost its temper... and so will you. :)
Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter