Note 9 — INDEX
Reading edition
Chamberlain, in his translation of the Ko-ji-ki (p. 70), says “the meaning is that a paste like milk was made of the triturated and calcined shell mixed with water”. Mother (omo) may be read as “nurse” too. Mrs. Carmichael, widow of Dr. Alexander Carmichael, the Scottish folk-lorist, informs me that in the Outer Hebrides women burn and grind cockle-shells to make a “lime water” for delicate children. The clam is likewise used. The ancient Japanese and ancient Hebrideans may have received this folk-medicine from the ancient seafarers who searched for shells and metals. ↑