Snake oil came first. By a likely ~ +50k years

Only half of the audio equation has to do with production of sound. The other half is hearing plus perception. I might have some qualification in that regard.

And to suggest that the placebo-type effect does not have a role in audio perception is not only silly, it is a bit naive. 

"sorry to disappoint"

Geoff, you have never disappointed me. It isn't even possible.

geoffkait,

Unexpectedly, when advising about help, I did not have you on my mind. However, if you need help, I am really not the one to call. You just do not fit the category of who I can help.

I have to disagree , shamanism is not the oldest profession. 

Everything has a shelf life.

I thought the world’s oldest profession came before any other. I don’t recall that they were shamans.

Einstein’s theory of general relativity is not all theory; it is put in practice 24/7/365 in order to keep the timing of data transfer for geostationary communication satellites intact, otherwise there would be no internet, no cell phones, and frankly, we would not be having this discussion.

"professionalism’. ie formalities witnessed or known by all. Training, passed on, which has a name and shape. Repeatability, formal, of some sort.

The oldest professionalism, not profession.....