water fountain..

[GSCole]

Mark,
Sorry, I don't think that I'm bright enough to cause all that much
confusion.  The usage that I noted the other day is just that, a not
unusual usage.  You raise a very good question, but perhaps it should be
directed at someone who won't cause much deep confusion with their
response.

Some fountains don't circulate anything, except light, as seen in those
splayed fiber optic 'fountains'.  A search on the net will show that I'm
not the one who dreamt up the concept of (non-drinking) water
fountains.  The term has been used for several years, and I'm not sure
why the differentiation is necessary.

The sales pitches for some of those fountains shown on the net would
lead a reader to the understanding that they're sold as functional
items, beyond being ornamental or artistic creations.  The sound of the
falling liquid is considered to be a functional aspect, therapeutic to
some degree.  Several dealers have also mentioned the humidifying aspect
of a water fountain, for the dry air of winter lodging.  I've seen one
note about the cooling presence of the water fountain.

The Lexington Herald-Leader news item, sent earlier, poses a
relationship between a moving water fountain and the enhancement of
health and prosperity.  I can't imagine what a still (non-moving) water
fountain would look like, but the person mentioned in the article must
have used a similar phrase, i.e., moving water fountain.  Perhaps an
inquiry to the writer of the article would lead to a clarification of
the terms used.

Anyway, my original response to the list was to note the use of
Occidental in a current news article.  The conjuration of 'water
fountain' was not my doing, merely my reporting.
=============

Now, to me, 'sand fountains' is a confusing topic.  Some use sand, some
also use water, then there are certain geological events.  In any event,
the usage rules are beyond my ken.

George Cole   gscole at ark.ship.edu
Shippensburg University