Date: Sun, 15 Sep 1996 16:28:43 -0400

From: "Peter L. Patrick" PPATRICK[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]GUVAX.ACC.GEORGETOWN.EDU

Subject: Re: implications and inferences



My OED has an Old English citation of "corn" from King Aelfred in 888

AD. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if Barry Popik can find an earlier

one, but meanwhile that doesn't jibe very well with Duane's

grandmother, who doubtless had other virtues and strengths than

etymology... Also, maize (Zea mays) was certainly known on the eastern

coast as well, long before Europeans penetrated to Iowa. Does anyone

know if the N. American coast was the first meeting of "corn" and the

thing it names? or was maize known earlier in souther parts of the

Americas?

--peter patrick

ppatrick[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]guvax.georgetown.edu