Page 36 - J. C. Turner - History and Science of Knots

Why Knot? Some Speculations on the Earliest Knots 23

pd

4$ 6
se sp
psp dsp
5$.
se R re

Fig. 2. Some special terms for the divisions of the standing part. (4) is a simple
knotting medium. (5) has a reference point demarcated . In (6) the medium is taken
round an object to cross its standing part at a reference point, as for the start of
a binding knot or hitch; it is assumed that the standing end (se ) is not in use, the
proximal standing part (psp) is inactive. See below for further explanations.

Technical terms (see Fig. 2):
dd distal direction: towards the outer end; away from the point
of attachment, the point of origin, the medial area, or the
inner end.
dsp distal standing part: that part of the standing part distal (see
dd) to the reference point R.
pd proximal direction: towards the point of attachment, the
point of origin, the medial area, or the inner end; away from
the outer end.
psp proximal standing part: that portion of the standing part
proximal (see pd) to the reference point R.
R reference point, usually where a knot has been or is about to
be tied etc.
re running end (this is a practical, not an abstract definition, so
it includes e.g. a whipping or stopper knot at the end).
se standing end (again, a practical definition, including any at-
taching knot).
sp standing part: between the standing and running ends.
stsp subterminal standing part: that part of the standing part
closest to the running end.