https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Conze
known primarily for his commentaries and translations of the Prajñāpāramitā literature.
Edward Conze has distinguished four phases in the development of the Prajñaparamita literature, stretching over more than 1,000 years (Conze 1960: 9 ff.; 1968: 11 ff.). From about 100 BCE to 100 CE we have the elaboration of a basic text. During the following 200 years this basic text was very much expanded, while the subsequent 200 years up to about 500 CE was characterized by the restatement of basic ideas in short setras on the one hand, and versified summaries on the other. During the final period, from 600–1200 CE, tantric influences make themselves felt, and we find evidence of magical elements in the setras and their use. (Mahayana Buddhism: The doctrinal foundations, 2e, Paul Williams, 2009, p. 48)
