Dull damp day with a sprinkling fog snow on Peat Law1 which disappeared after. There was a touch of frost at first but it was quite fresh later. Breakfasted 7 [sic] + motored to West Essenside2 to see a child of Currie3 with a throat which was not Diph.4 Came back by Henhouse5. Cyc Walked to Curror Street + Hospital6 + after lunch cycled to Lauriston7. Made preparations for going to Edin.8 Wrote a long letter to Patrick9 + sent him £2 for Xmas.
1 Peat Law, 426.0 m, grid reference NGR NT334,267, above Yarrow Feus and Catslackburn
2 Wester Essenside, Ashkirk was home of the Currie and Heard families, both referred to in Dr Muir’s diaries
3 Walter ‘Walt’ Currie (fl.1921), ploughman, inhabitant occupier not rated at a house at Wester Essenside, Ashkirk [1920 and 1921 Valuation Rolls 1921 VR011700009-/303, Selkirk County, page 303 of 611]
4 There had been a prolonged outbreak of Diphtheria and Scarlet Fever in the Selkirk area from earlier in 1921 and extending into the following year
5 Henhouse, Selkirk, NT469,271, adjacent to the Haining Estate
6 In the case is is assumed that Dr Muir is referring to the partnership’s Hospital at Mauldsheugh rather than the Infectious Diseases Hospital out by the Selkirk Hills
7 Lauriston, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, was home of Katie Smith née Locke (about 1854-1934), widow of Thomas Smith, tweed manufacturer, and some of her (adult) children
8 Dr Muir was to have a busy day in Edinburgh the following day, see diary entry for 22 November 1921
9 Patrick Rodger Stewart ‘Pat’ Muir (1879-1961), Dr Muir’s only son, living in New Zealand since 1902
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
Rumbling Clint's Scottish Notes 