joystick

[David W. James]

On Apr 19, 2005, at 12:05 AM, Douglas G. Wilson wrote:
> Several Web sites give this etymology, but without evidence. A few
> modern
> instances of "Joyce stick" for "joystick" can be found, but maybe this
> is a
> modern 'correction' following this supposed etymology (whether it's
> true or
> not) rather than an old usage.

> The only early aeronautical Joyce who comes to light on quick search is
> Temple Joyce (middle name apparently Nash), apparently a WW I pilot
> (AEF)
> and later apparently associated with the Berliner-Joyce airplane
> company. I
> find mention of a paper by Temple N. Joyce (presumably the same man)
> published in _Trans. A. S. M. E._ [56(4):193-201] in 1934 entitled "Zap
> Flaps and Ailerons".

> -- Doug Wilson

Some early automobiles were also controlled via a joystick contraption.
  It is possible that the Joyce in question was dealing with
automobiles, not aircraft.  I suppose he could also have been involved
with trains, but all the sticks that come to mind in a locomotive are
simple levers.

David