"I observed a custome in all those Italian Cities and towns through which I passed, that is not used in any other country that I saw in my travels... The Italian and also most strangers that are commorant in Italy, doe alwaies at their meales use a little forke when they cut their meat. For while with their knife which they hold in one hand they cut the meate out of the dish, they fasten their forke which they hold in their other hand upon the same dish, so that whatsoever he be that sitting in the company of any others at meale, shoulde unadvisedly touch the dishe of meate with his fingers from which all at table doe cut, he will give occasion of offense unto the company... This forme of feediing I understand is generally used in all places of Italy, their forkes being for the most part made of yron or steele, and some of silver... The reason of this their curiosity is, because the Italian cannot by any means indure to have his dish touched with fingers, seeing all men's fingers are not alike cleane."
-Thomas Coryat, 1600s