Here are some important factors to consider:
* Early Etymology: Early etymologists relied heavily on ancient Greek and Roman texts for their knowledge of language history. They quoted from these works to support their explanations of word origins. However, this was less about "literature" in the modern sense and more about drawing on scholarly sources.
* Shifting Focus: With the rise of the Renaissance and the increased focus on classical literature, quotations from specific literary works became more prominent in etymological studies.
* The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment emphasized reason and evidence. Scholars like Johann Christoph Adelung (1732-1806) in German and Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) in English, used literary quotations to illustrate word usage and meaning. These citations were often meant to demonstrate how language evolved over time.
Therefore, attributing the practice to a single individual is challenging. It's more accurate to see it as a gradual development within the history of etymology.
To delve deeper into this topic, I recommend exploring:
* History of Etymology: Look for works that trace the development of etymology as a discipline.
* Scholarship on Specific Authors: Research the works of prominent etymologists like Adelung, Johnson, or earlier figures like Varro (Roman scholar) to see how they utilized literature in their studies.
Let me know if you'd like me to suggest any specific resources!