Question

Why is western blotting called so?

Answer 1

It is a joke.

Explanation:

There was a technique invented called "Southern blotting" – this method was first published by British biologist Edwin Southern. In the method DNA fragments are separated by electrophoresis, transferred to a membrane, and these presence detected by the hybridisation of a probe.

In Western blotting proteins are separated by electrophoresis and then transferred to a membrane, and their presence detected with antibodies.

When Western blotting was invented it was decided to go with the "compass" theme, and go west.

You should note there is also northern blotting, eastern blotting, and southwestern blotting.