The Society’s version of this dance can be traced to Rutherford’s first collection of about 1755 where it is given as *The Lasses of Dunce*. 

The original version of RSCDS Book 18 for bars 17-20 and 25-28 has 1st couple "lead" down or up (assumed as right hands joined) whereas the revised edition now has "dance" (nearer hands).