I'm no expert, but it seems reasonable to imagine that some paleolithic
Edison figured out how to pound oil from various plant products between
a couple of rocks. Ultimate efficiency would not have been a concern.
Still, the quantities produced would necessarily have been limited.

Our ancestors lacked knowledge, but they weren't stupid. I think we can
assume they did just about everything that was in their physical and
technological capacity. Chimps use twigs to harvest termites, after all.

Bracing for incoming fire ...

Bill Dooley

Karla Plank wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Excuse me if this is an old, dull topic that caused fisticuffs, but I didn't
> find it in my search of the archives.  And, as I'm increasing my fat intake, I'd
> like to know about the topic of oil in general.
>
> Oil production (from olives, nuts, seeds, or fruit kernels) is no small feat,
> and wouldn't have been feasible, really, in a paleolithic society.  Or am I
> mistaken?  And what about the rancidity issue?
>
> Karla