Re: French genetics

At 18:50 +0000 on 29.10.1998, Raymond A. Brown wrote:
> >
> >Short of ancient DNA samples, there's no working all this out
> >in detail, because there are no "pure stocks" anywhere: all are
> >a result of mixing and remixing and re-remixing.
For those who like historical ironies: Cavalli-Sforza found that much of
the Italian population share a grate many genes with those on the opposite
North African coast.  The obvious historical reason is that droves of
people fled from there to Italy away from the Vandal and Arab invasions.

> Producing a delightful blend - just like French cuisine  :)
>
Rumor -- transmitted by none less than Norbert Elias -- has it that Frewnch
cuisine AND table manners "were at apes' level" when Caterina di Medici
arrived there.  Those who have seen "Les Visiteurs" will know...  As I
never tire to point out I greatly prefer Italian cucina, which BTW is a
delightful blend itself.  I wonder how Italian cooks got by before the 16th
century, though, without tomatoes? :)  I suppose the Italian term for that
berry, _pomodoro_ lit. 'gold apple' gives a hint, but I dont think I'll try
substituting apples for tomatoes in salsa dei pomodori con basilico anytime
soon!

/BP


B.Philip. Jonsson <bpj@...>

Solitudinem faciunt pacem appellant (Tacitus)
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