Joe,
Regarding the "American Electricians Handbook" I don't have a later edition but I do have earlier editions. That text was in all pervious edition right back to the first edition (CIRCA 1913 or so), I'm not at home in my library right now. I wondered if it was in any 1950's editions. Like you I wonder how long it appeared. The previous paragraph (not shown) talks about testing for the presence ov voltage with the fingers and suggests that only "real electricians" can handle it. I'll bet that's responsible for the mind set and the "old timers" teaching the newbies that it's OK to bare hand 120v circuits.
Personally I try to avoid mentioning those references for fear of prepetuating that nonsense. Thanks Joe for the historic blast from the past and have a great day.
OSHA Professor
Grizzy
