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  3. Cloonacool

School: Cloonacool (roll number 4802)

Location:
Cloonacool, Co. Sligo
Teacher:
Seán Ó Blioscáin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0171, Page 045

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0171, Page 045

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  1. XML School: Cloonacool
  2. XML Page 045
  3. XML “Local Cures - Spool of the Breast”

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  1. Local Cures - Spool of the Breast

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    In olden times people claimed that there was a part of the breast called the "Spool" and if a person got it dislocated they would never get alright unless they got the cure made and the spool lifted. The person having the cure first made an oatmeal cake about a quarter of an inch thick, unbaked. They then got a large tumbler and cut out the size of it from the cake. Nine short pieces of rushes were then peeled and dipped in tallow and when firm they were stuck round in the portion of the cake cut out by the wine glass and lighted. The patient was then stretched out on his back and the cake with the light candles was placed on the part of the breast where the spool is supposed to be. The tumbler was then placed on top of the cake and left there for some time. The glass then lifted up. If it came away easily the spool was not down at all but if it was down it was with great.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. medical practice
        1. folk medicine (~11,815)
          1. medicine for human sicknesses
            1. fallen breastbone (~18)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Kathleen Bradly
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Mullaun, Co. Sligo