I just finished reading the Etymologies of St. Isidore, which I started in the summer of 2004. I still have more fun bits to post, but in case I don't get to it, here's what he says about the beet:
(XVII, x, 15)
It will be odd to leave for work on Monday without Isidore in my satchel.
(ETA reference)
Beta apud nos oleris genus; apud Graecos littera.
The beta (beet) is among us a type of vegetable; among the Greeks it is a letter.
(XVII, x, 15)
It will be odd to leave for work on Monday without Isidore in my satchel.
(ETA reference)