Klarinet Archive - Posting 000109.txt from 1998/01

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: swabbing really does wear it out
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 1998 22:33:55 -0500

On Sat, 3 Jan 1998, Baldy wrote:

> this has really confused me. As I understand the basic thesis it is being
> suggestd that a softer item can wear down a harder item. I always thought
> it was the other way around. I guess then I could take a soft cloth and rub
> it on a diamond and gradually wear it away. Go figure!
>
> Bob

Use your finger to rub a stone (I would argue that your finger is softer
than a stone?) and do this for a year or two. I guarantee that you will
wear the stone enough to make a measurable difference.

Water running across a rock bed is softer than the rock, yet erosion
exists....

Are you still confused?

Roger Garrett
IWU