Okay, did a little research. The .22lr was invinted in the late 1800' s, 1887 to be exact. I think this is where I got the association of the earlier centuries. However, I do remember someone quoting the phrase I posted earlier when trying to think of a name for their cartridge. Perhaps I just plucked Wesson out of the stratosphere and somehow subconscienciously (may have misspelled that one) associated the two with the .357 which was previously stated to be invented in 1935. Sorry for causing a disruption in the flow of knowledge. Sometimes you are just so sure you think you are right, but I am not above humility.

The site I found on dates of cartridge introduction in pretty neat and anyone interested in cartridge history should take a look.

http://www.kimdutoit.com/dr/essays/essays.php?id=P13

I don' t know how to post a link, but there is the website all the way down to the page. I hope this redeems me!