I don't think it goes any further back than Arthur Machen and Novel of
the White Powder (conveniently on line:
http://www.gordon-fernandes.com/hp-lovecraft/other_authors/white_powder.
htm). Before that I can only think of references to ointments (medieval
and reformation era witchcraft accounts).
Kate
K. A. Laity
Assistant Professor, English Department
Affiliated Faculty, Women's Studies Program
The College of Saint Rose
432 Western Avenue
Albany NY 12203
518-485-3778
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http://academic2.strose.edu/Arts_and_Humanities/laityk/index.html
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