title: Why is a database table called a table?
body: <p>I've pondered the question and the most reasonable metaphor I've located is:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>a table is a surface on which items are placed</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>This seems a little broad, but maybe that was all of the thought put into the naming of the concept.  I've also searched Google and Wikipedia a bit and have not found a record of the inception of the term.</p>