> Sure, but then one would have to find every relevant entry. *Not
> quite the same as having some source that lists the earliest known
> occurrences of such names/concepts.

Jean,

Sounds like you should write that book!

Be warned, however -- it will take years to research and write, and
the day after it's published hordes of scholars will suddenly appear,
bearing countless examples of earlier references to virtually every
entry in it (and your publisher won't even consider a revised edition
until the first one sells out -- which is NEVER, because there are
only a hundred of us in the world who crave such a book).

Do you think that might be the reason you can't find that book now?

Gary

-----------------------------------
Gary Allen
On the Table <http://www.hvinet.com/gallen>

The Resource Guide for Food Writers;
The Herbalist in the Kitchen;
The Business of Food: Encyclopedia of the Food and Drink Industries
(with Ken Albala);
Human Cuisine (with Ken Albala)