an improving sentence Q

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
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<p>hi guys, my friend asked me this question(from one of the 2006 SAT)</p>

<p>the name "transerware" [comes from a nineteenth-century technique for which] a pattern is engraved onto a copper roll, printed on tissue paper, and transferred onto earthenware dishes.</p>

<p>the correct answer is C
(A) as it is
(B) comes from a nineteenth-century technique according to which
(C) comes from a nineteenth-century technique whereby
(D) is a nineteenth-century technique wherein
(E) means it is a nineteenth-century technique by which</p>

<p>i understand that A,B,D,E are all wrong, but doesn't whereby mean "through the means of" or "bywhich"?
how does whereby make sense here.
can any grammar guru provide a detailed explanation of this word's usage</p>

<p>thx</p>

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<p>It means “by which” or “through which.”</p>

<p>“It is a technique through which a pattern is engraved…”
This says that the technique involves a pattern being engraved, printed, and transferred.</p>

<p>“By the use of this technique, a pattern is engraved…”
“Through the use of this technique, a pattern is engraved…”</p>

<p>STRUCTURE
“a place where I can just roam”
“a place in which I can just roam”</p>

<p>Notice how the “where” means “in which” or “at which”? That is, you can roam IN or AT the place. Basically, you are connecting the two things (“a place” and “I can just roam”) with “in” or “at,” which describe locations. </p>

<p>“a technique whereby you gain the upper hand”
“a technique by which you gain the upper hand”</p>

<p>Notice how the “whereby” means “by which” or “through which”? That is, you can gain the upper hand BY using the technique, or THROUGH the use of the technique. You are connecting the two things (“a technique” and “you gain the upper hand”) with “by” or “through,” which describe methods, or “means”</p>

<p>EXAMPLES
“Eating and drinking is the main means of survival.” -> “By eating, you can survive.” -> “Humans take for granted their eating whereby they can survive.”</p>

<p>“John killed Mary by knife.” -> “John killed Mary through the means of a knife.” -> “John used a knife whereby he killed Mary.”</p>

<p>“The telephone is a common means of communication.” -> “…the telephone whereby one can communicate.”</p>

<p>“The airplane is a quick means of travel.” -> “…the airplane whereby one can travel quickly.”</p>

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<p>that is sensational crazybandit; thanks a lot for the clarification</p>