Man’s first weapons were the branches of trees, and subsequently bows and arrows.

It is worthy of remark, that wherever we find man, in all climates and latitudes, he has been found with and arrows.  None can see how this idea presented itself to individuals so differently placed:  it must be hidden by the veil of centuries.

Raw flesh has but one inconvenience.  Its viscousness attaches itself to the teeth.  It is not, however, disagreeable.  When seasoned with salt it is easily digested, and must be digestible.

A Croat captain, whom I invited to dinner in 1815, was amazed at my preparations.  He said to me, “When in campaign, and we become hungry, we knock over the first animal we find, cut off a steak, powder it with salt, which we always have in the sabretasche, put it under the saddle, gallop over it for half a mile, and then dine like princes.”

When the huntsmen of Dauphiny go out in Septemher to shoot, they take both pepper and salt with them.  If they kill a very fat bird they pluck, season it, carry it some time in their caps and eat it.  They say it is the best way to serve it up.

If our ancestors ate raw food we have not entirely gotten rid of the habit.  The most delicate palates like Aries’ sausages, etc., which have never been cooked, but which are not, on that account, the less appetising.

Discovery of fire.

Subsequently to the Croat mode, fire was discovered.  This was an accident, for fire is not spontaneous.  Many savage nations have been found utterly ignorant of it.

Baking.

Fire having been discovered it was made use of to perfect food; at first it was made use of to dry it, and then to cook it.

Meat thus treated was found better than when raw.  It had more firmness, was eaten with less difficulty, and the osmazome as it was condensed by carbonization gave it a pleasing perfume.

They began, however, to find out that flesh cooked on the coals became somewhat befouled, for certain portions of coal will adhere to it.  This was remedied by passing spits through it, and placing it above burning coals at a suitable height.

Thus grillades were invented, and they have a flavor as rich as it is simple.  All grilled meat is highly flavored, for it must be partially distilled.

Things in Homer’s time had not advanced much further, and all will be pleased here to read the account of Achilles’ reception of the three leading Greeks, one of whom was royal.

I dedicate this story to the ladies, for Achilles was the handsomest of all the Greeks, and his pride did not prevent his weeping when Briseis was taken from him, viz: 

[verse in Greek]

The following is a translation by Pope: 

“Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, Mix purer wine, and open every soul.  Of all the warriors yonder host can send, Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.”