SOMETIMES ETYMOLOGY CAN TELL US ABOUT SOCIETY

In this case, I was wondering when the phrase "caveat emptor" became part of the English lexicon and according to the OED, it goes back centuries:

b. caveat emptor  [lit., let the purchaser beware] , let the purchaser examine the article he is buying before the bargain is completed, so that in case of disappointment after purchase he may not blame the seller.

?1523   J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandrie f. xxxvi,   He [sc. the horse] is no chapmans ware yf he be wylde: but and he be tame and haue ben rydden vpon than caueat emptor be ware thou byer.

1616   T. Adams Sacrifice of Thankefulnesse 75   Wee compell none to buy our Wares; Caueat emptor.

I conclude that the morality of the marketplace has been mediocre for a LONG time, even before Adam Smith.