Use of f instead of s in old texts

Factual Questions
1

What are the origins, reasons etc. that in many old texts, and writings the letter “f” is often used where they obviously meant (or today we would use) the letter “s”?

2

It is a “s”, the way it was written just looks like an “f”. If you read more, you will see that there are F’s as well.

3

Welcome to The Straight Dope.

The Master has addressed your question here.

  • Rick
4

I searched the archives using the phrase “f instead of s” and it returned many hits, but not that one.

I s’pose the spelling of “inftead” is what got me.

Thanks again.