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

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.....

Snake oil is the audiophile code word for lies and deceit.

Nothing positive can be based off lies and deceit.
What is the point of this thread again? To give snake oil credibility?

OK fine. Let the snakes have at it.