A Mind Meld By Any Other Name | Star Trek: TOS

The Vulcan Mind Meld had an array of names throughout _Star_ _Trek:_ _TOS._ Over the course of the series, it was referred to as a Mind Probe, Mind Touch, Mind Link, and Mind Fusion. Mind Meld was most likely settled on because it was more lyrical and memorable. It also conveyed the idea that two minds were linked together.

Support this channel by becoming a patron:

Background music:
Artist: Patrick Patrikios | Track: Feels
License: Creative Commons Attribution license

All media and images used under the Fair Use law.

#startrek #startrektos #startrektheoriginalseries #mrspock #spock #mindmeld #vulcans

[MatthewCaunsfield]

I also noticed the inconsistency with the name when doing my last full TOS rewatch a couple of years ago.
You cover this oft overlooked nugget of Trek trivia really well!

[robinstevenson]

We have to remember that "mind meld" ("touch, " "probe, " "fusion") are human words. It's possible there is no perfect translation in English. It's also possible that "mind meld" is an English translation of a class of techniques, including the touch, probe, and fusion - - these 3 could be different types of mind melds.

[kevingiven]

To coin a phrase: "Fascinating"

[ericmcguyer]

Spock refers to it as a “meld” twice in the TNG episode “Unification Pt.2”. First, during a conversation with Data saying, “I understand why my father chose to meld with him.” (Referring to Picard. The second time is when he tells Picard, “My father and I never chose to meld.”

[virginiaconnor]

At least, they didn't have to worry about Pa'nar Syndrome anymore. I don't remember them mentioning the illness that once existed-even by the elder T'Pau (who healed Cdr. T'Pol in 2155) herself.

[bettyleeist]

Yeah, I’ll watch the old serie’s again!It’s on my desk shelf in the back bedroom.(my Grandpa’s desk make’s a nice shelf for these type of thing’s!in my desk

[julianaylor]

Spock could call it anything he wanted if humans couldn't pronounce the Vulcan name. Mind meld may have come into use in the Trek universe, because it made more sense as an explanation of what occurs.

[stevengeorges]

The reason the crew used different names was because it was just an English translation from the original Vulcan. Translations often result in multiple words for the same thing. Also, Vulcans were not yet members of the Actors Guild. ;-)

[HobbesTWC]

I like "mind meld". It implies that the minds become one, while something like mind probe is like a mind invasion. Now granted, Spock (and other Vulcans) have used this technique without the other party's consent, but it's a bit more palatable to us to think that even then the Vulcan becomes somewhat vulnerable and exposed to the other person (also Spock and any respectable Vulcan only use the technique in very serious, dangerous situations; they don't go around mind melding with random people for no reason) . I like the term "mind fusion" for the same reasons, but the alliteration in "mind meld" makes it even better. May I also add that this fusion of minds was, in my opinion, very well executed in "Sarek". I love how the titular character enters the bridge and is like "hey Number One" as if he had known Riker for years!

[EastGermany]

I'd vote for mind touch, mind meld sounds better, seems like if there was mind melding going on, the subject would receive some of Spock's thoughts as well . Surprised they didn't put mind merge in there too . It would have been interesting if there was more background on it . Was it used to interrogate prisoners in the pre Surak warring times ? Retain memories from one generation to the next ? I remember checking out that book in middle school . One thing I remember from the book, they were trying to come up with a design for the Enterprise, and Roddenberry gave the concept artist a Buck Rodgers spaceship and said " See this ? I don't want our ship to look anything like it ! " Or something like that .

[basennel]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. I subscribed to your channel.

[ajmittendorf]

One of my briefest, reusable comments for my students' essays applies here: "Insightful."

[robinstevenson]

The "mind fusion" might the most taxing of all for Spock to do. "Mind touch" could be the least intrusive, "mind probe, " more intrusive, and "mind fusion" the most intrusive - in which the two minds overlap completely. If this fits, you could do a follow-up episode about it.

[robinstevenson]

"Mind touch" and "mind probe" may be a type of mind meld that is quicker and easier for Spock than a full "mind meld." Also, less taxing, and less risky/less stressful for Spock. Another possibility is that "mind touch" is more of an ad hoc or informal "slang" translation of mind meld.

[JGG]

Awesome video!
BTW, did you say "Ensign Spock?"

[visionaryventures]

You could do a video about what century the original series is set. It seemed consistently the 22nd century, with an exception or two. In The Making of Star Trek mentions the 23rd century. From that point onwards, it’s the 23rd century.

[pqsk]

Nice research. Never noticed that. Giving me an excuse to watch TOS again 😆

[manlystranger]

Is it possible all five types of mind powers are different even though it appears to us non-telepathic outsiders they are all the same? Perhaps the difference between a mind link and a mind meld is the difference between a creek and a tidal wave. Both are water, but there are significant differences.

[thgarbageman]

Mind Meld is what I’ve always known it to be. Anything else is illogical.