Origin of Triplets

[JB20041]

I read somewhere, years ago, that the use of the notation figure for a triplet (tuplet) is relatively new (within the last 150 years.) Is that true?

[heffalump]

I don't know exactly when they were first used, but triplets were definitely used in the Baroque period - I've just been teaching JS Bach's flute sonata in B minor and the first movement has loads.