SC - Coffee-History

[LrdRas]

In a message dated 98-01-03 22:50:58 EST, you write:

<< How do you know that what Avicenna describes is coffee? >>

The reference to coffee being used in 9th century Persia is taken from Loius
Figuier, Le savant au foryer, Hachette, Paris, 1876. 

With regard to Avicenna> He does not use the word "kahwa" in his description
but rather quite specifically uses the word "bunc" the name by which coffee is
still known in Abyssinia. Since it is highly probable that coffee was imported
from Abyssinia, it makes since that he would use this word to name it. I would
point out that he also reported that it's use was very rare and for a
priveleged few only.

<<My main source is the Hattox book ...<snip>.....and his claim is that it
started being used outside of Abyssinia (where it is native) pretty late, I
think c.
 1400. That permits the possibility that it was drunk earlier as an
exotic--but how clear is it that it is true?>>

I most certainly believe that it's use as a "common" beverage is probably more
like the 1400 date you imply. However, due to Avicenna's careful choice of
words in his description, I tend to believe that it was indeed, "bunc" (e.g.
coffee) he was describing.. Avicenna is not, so far as I know, noted for
exageration and falsification in his works. I humbly submit that common usage
of a product does not mean that the product could not have been used for
several centuries either as a medicinal or for the exclusive comsumption of a
few extraordinarily wealthy and/or well placed individuals. Indeed, given that
"bunc" is actually coffee, Avicenna apparently tells us exactly that it's use
was rare.

Perhaps the use of coffee would fit into a similar pattern that is somewhat
apparent with the use of potatoes which were also known for a couple of
centuries before they came into common usage.
 
 <<David/Cariadoc >>

Ras
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