There's another Elan Vital in Ireland which makes pharmaceuticals, although their share price has dropped recently due to unexpected side effects being reported on one of their major selling drugs.Many years ago, some scientists thought there was some vital kind of substance, some life principle which infused living matter. The theory was called "vitalism" -- or "elan vital" in French.
I always understood that this was one of the modern elements which the Rhadasaomis incorporated into their syncretic religion in the C19th. Pre Darwin,it wasn't an off the wall notion by any means, & still seems to have a mighty grip on many, even though they don't realise it.
I guess the name is harmonious enough for the present day ear....phlogiston (lol) would never get past the marketing men who make these decisions,mind you, change the 'ph' to 'f' & it might do for a dodgy driveway paving company, or for a.......no better keep that one under wraps.
