apply vs use a method

[ostap77]

1)"This method is known to have been applied as far back as the 18th century."

OR

2)"It's known that the method was used as far back as the 18th century."

Do we apply or use a method? Is it better to use "this" as in 1) or "the" as in 2)?

Should I stick to simple constructions or more complex ones when translating from one language into another ? Are there other options for saying "as far back as"?

 

[5jj]

1)"This method is known to have been applied as far back as the 18th century."

OR

2)"It's known that the method was used as far back as the 18th century."

Do we apply or use a method? Either

Is it better to use "this" as in 1) or "the" as in 2)? Both are fine

Should I stick to simple constructions or more complex ones when translating form one language into another ? There is no easy answer to that . Are there other options for saying "as far back as"? as long ago as

5jj