Author: rumblingclint

Sharp but very pleasant day + roads good. Motoring saw cases in Heatherlie, Philiphaugh Cottages, Linglie Cottages, Broadmeadows, Newarkmill, + Carterhaugh + Nursing Home. Was in house after lunch + wrote Eddie Miller¹, Frank² + Dora³. Went to evening service. Jack + Nancy⁴ came to supper. Nancy has been much more comfortable⁵ since I put on a broad bandage yesterday + I replaced it with a Domette⁶ one tonight.

¹ Edward Caird Miller, ironfounder, widower of Dr Muir’s cousin Jessie Logan Miller, who had died 19 March 1920 at Rediton, Prestwick, aged 59

² Frank Logan Muir (1863-1923), Indian Railways employee and Dr Muir’s nephew

³ Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter

⁴ Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948), Dr Muir’s daughter and her husband John ‘Jack’ Roberts junior

⁵ Nancy had taken a fall from a horse

⁶ Domette Bandage is made up of a mixed fabric, which contains cotton threads in the warp (not less than 40 per inch) and wool threads in the weft (not less than 22 per inch). 2 in by 6 yd of this bandage weighs not less than 28.5 g. [https://thepharmacognosy.com/bandages/]

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Born Illogan or Kenywn, Cornwall, 1873, died 1922, at St Brenda’s Private Hospital, Clifton, Bristol, usual residence Clevedon, probate at Bristol, 1923. Dr Luke was at Venlaw, St Ronan’s [1920 Valuation Roll] when he attended a medics’ dinner on 19 March 1920 at which Dr Muir was the croupier.

A short bibliography:

‘Spas and Health Resorts of the British Isles; their mineral waters, climate, and the treatment to be obtained, with a section on curative institutions’, A & C Black Ltd, 1919

‘Manual of physio-therapeutics’, rev. edn., W Heinemann, 1922

‘Text-book of massage and Swedish gymnastics and other exercises : for masseuses and nurses’, Scientific Press, 1913

‘A pocket guide to anaesthetics for the student and general practitioner’, Edinburgh, W Green, 1902

with Forbes, N H, ‘Natural Therapy: a manual of physiotherapeutics and climatology’, Bristol, John Wright and Sons, 1913

‘Guide to anæsthetics for the student and general practitioner’, 3rd edn., Edinburgh, William Green, 1906

‘A manual of natural therapy’, Bristol, Wright, 1908

‘Anaesthesia in dental surgery’, 2nd edn., London & New York, Rebman, 1903

‘A guide to anaesthetics for the student and general practitioner’, 2nd edn., Edinburgh, Green, 1905

‘Manual and atlas of Swedish exercises’, London, The Scientific Press, [1913]

Sources: Births Sep 1873, Luke, Thomas Davey, Truro 5c 169 / Deaths Sep 1922, Luke, Thomas D, aged 49, Bristol 6a 22; Stuart V Stock M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S. ‘St Brenda’s Private Hospital, Bristol, A Hospital for Paying Patients’, British Medical Journal, 17 December 1921, page 1044.

Had a very full day from 9.30 a.m. till 8.45 p.m. with half an hour for tea + the same for dinner. I cycled to Dunreay, Wellwood, the Home, Winfield Cottages, Linglie Cottage, The Firs, Newarkburn, Philiphaugh Cottages, Millburn Place + then motored to Riddell + Lilliesleaf intending to return by Prieston but at Hume’s got message to Shawburn, Catshawhill + Synton Mill¹. I did them in the above order leaving out Prieston + got home a little before 6. Had people in [consultations] until nearly 7.30: dined + was called out to see Gordon Ross who had broken his collarbone at Hawick playing Rugby. Finished at 8.45. The road beyond Greenhill is in the most disgraceful state with ruts + enormous [? metal] unrolled.

¹ Shawburn, grid reference NGR NT534,265, Catshawhill, NT541,226 and Syntonmill, NT497,231

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Rather a nice day + quite dry. David was not feeling very well + didn’t do much. Norah¹ got a wire that her mother was worse + they both went up to London at night. I cycled in the town, [to] Philiphaugh Cottages, the Firs, Broadmeadows, Newarkburn, Bowhill + Philiphaugh Kennels. It took me till 3.15. I got some sandwiches at Bowhill + took a cup of tea before starting for Innerleithen where I attended the dinner of the B.D. at 6 o’clock. Luke was in the chair + I was croupier. There were Luke², Richards³, McRobert⁴, Fairfax⁵, Somerville⁶, Henderson⁷ + myself + 8 guests. It went off all right + I gave them some recitation. I had the toast of local industries⁸. Got home at 11.

¹ Norah Campion Graham née West (1887-1971), wife of Dr David Charteris Graham (1889-1963), medical practitioner

² Dr Thomas Davey Luke (1873-1922), medical practitioner, was at Venlaw, St Ronan’s, 1920 Valuation Roll; a supplementary post has been added to the series to record the story of Dr Luke’s writing career

³ The only Dr Richards identified in the 1920 Valuation Roll is Dr Robert Richards at Aberdeen

⁴ Dr Peter Carmichael MacRobert was at Runic Cross, Waverley Road, Innerleithen, 1920 Valuation Roll; Dr MacRobert is described with affection by Catherine Alice Macdonald née Hume (1905-1999) in an oral history by the Memory Bank, the transcript of which is here http://www.calmview.eu/HUBCAT/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=SBA%2f158%2f96&pos=4, his house was named after the Runic Cross, a medieval Christian artefact which is thought to have been originally discovered on the slopes of the Leithen Valley

⁵ Dr Norman Piggot Fairfax was at Caddon View, Innerleithen, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁶ Dr James W Somerville was at Tea Street, Galashiels, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁷ Dr Percy J Henderson was at Church Street, Galashiels, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁸ See diary entry for 18 March 1920

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Note above entry: Just when starting for Innerleithen on Friday I got a letter from Fanny McKenzie telling of Jessie Miller’s death the previous day¹.

Sun rose behind Byethorn in a cloudless sky at 8 + by 8.30 the sky was clouded + it rained. All day there were blasts of rain with bright intervals. It was not so mild as yesterday. I motored to Wellwood, [the] Firs + Newarkburn + dressed Frances Oliver’s knee at the Home. Dav. was at Ramsaycleuch + Craighill + at night had to go to bed early with a cold. I was busy working up some remarks for the toast of the local industry which I am to propose tomorrow night.

¹ Jessie Logan Miller, wife of Edward Caird Miller, ironfounder, died 19 March 1920 at Rediton, Prestwick, aged 59; she was the daughter of the Reverend James Rennie and Catherine Stewart Rennie née Muir – Dr Muir’s aunt – he heard the news via Jessie’s sister Frances Ord ‘Fanny’ MacKenzie of Headley Mount, Hampshire

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Was rung up at 4 a.m. for Mrs Anderson, Craighill¹. Left at 5 + got back for breakfast. It was quite mild today + there was not a trace of snow up Ettrick. Saw some on Windlestrawlaw² in afternoon. Baptie took Dav. [Graham] to Broadmeadows + then took me to Riddell, Prieston + Ladylands. Went to meeting of Hosp. Committee. Scott of Gala³ was there in place of A F Roberts⁴ resigned. After dinner had to walk in torrents of rain to the Firs to see McPherson the cook who used to be at Rectory. Nancy⁵ had a fall from her horse on Headshaw Moor + got a shake + a bruise but no serious injury.

¹ Assume Margaret Anderson née McCliskie (1867-), wife of John Laidlaw Anderson, shepherd; they had married 1904 at Dunbar and were at Riskenhope, Ettrick in 1911 Census while John L Anderson, shepherd, was at Craighill, Ettrick, in the 1920 Valuation Roll, presumably with his wife

² Windlestrawlaw or Windlestraw Law, Innerleithen, grid reference NGR NT371,431

³ John Scott of Gala, Gala House, Galashiels

⁴ Alexander Fowler ‘Sandy’ Roberts (1844-1929), woollen manufacturer, of Fairnilee

⁵ Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948), Dr Muir’s second daughter

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

A cold raw day with sleety showers in afternoon. S.W. [wind] glass rising. Attended Mrs Cochrane, daughter of Turnbull¹, R. C. School, who had a d [daughter²] at 9.30 C.F.S. (large tear) + was rather collapsed after. Was to have gone to Mauldsheugh at 9.30 to give John Anderson³ chlor[oform] but couldn’t. Went to Pritty’s funeral with Town Council at 1⁴. Large turn out. Helen [Muir] went to Edinburgh with the 8.17 to meet Jean⁵ + call for Agnes Durnford⁶. She didn’t get back till last train.

¹ Margaret Elizabeth Cochrane, born 16 March 1920 at 107 High Street, Selkirk, daughter of James Cochrane, insurance agent, previously a cloth finisher and Pte. 252290 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, and Jane Eastham Cochrane née Turnbull; her parents had married 28 February 1919 at the Roman Catholic Chapel, Selkirk

² Her father was Walter Turnbull and, though they appear to be Roman Catholic, the reference here is not immediately clear

³ John Anderson is not identifiable from this reference

⁴ John Pritty, Burgh Surveyor, died 13 March 1920 at Craigneuk, Chapel Street, Selkirk – see diary entries for 12 and 13 March 1920

⁵ Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Pike née Muir (1877-1941), Dr Muir’s eldest daughter

⁶ Agnes Watson Durnford née Harper (1888-1976)

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

A little snow lying again this morning but not so much as yesterday+ it quickly disappeared. It was still bitterly cold + the wind N. During the day there were some sleety showers. I met Dav. [Dr David Graham] at the Home to see Jeannie Oliver’s knee which does not look well. I went on to Philiphaugh Mill, Bowhill + back to Hospital. I sat all afternoon trimming + adding to my address on “Too much of a good thing” which I gave at night to the Guild meeting. I called at Viewfield + saw an iron gate for which Miss Buist¹ wishes £2 10s which is not worth the half. She has taken a house called Fergus Hill between Longtown + Brampton.

¹ Alexina Margaret Buist (1853-1936), daughter of a Dundee merchant who was, with her companion Gertrude Mary Ball (1861-1941), at Viewfield prior to Dr Muir’s purchase whereupon they moved to Fergushill, a Victorian Gothic Revival house at Kirklinton, Cumberland, grid reference NGR NY425,662 see Ordnance Survey Six Inch Cumberland Sheet X.12 (Arthuret), revised 1899 and published 1901 https://maps.nls.uk/view/121139651

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Snow lying this morning + a little fell while I was dressing. It soon disappeared however + there was some sunshine but the S.W. [wind] was very cold + the barometer very low. I motored to Ladylands + Linglie Cottages + met D. [David Graham] at Dickson’s, Victoria Crescent where he removed a urethral caruncle. I spent the rest of the day working up my address for the Guild meeting tomorrow night. Bella¹ in bed with asthma. H [Helen Muir] went to evening service + we supped at Wellwood².

¹ Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-), Dr Muir’s housekeeper

² Wellwood, Ettrick Terrace was the home of John ‘Jack’ Roberts junior, Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir and their children Andrina Henderson ‘Barbara’, John ‘Jock’, Louisa Jane, Stewart Muir and George Edward ‘Tim’ Roberts, collectively known to Dr Muir as “The Wellwooders”

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Still very cold + a few flakes of snow in the morning but wind S.W. at first N.W. Went S.W. + it rained a lot in the afternoon. Some snow on hills got less. Walked, after giving Chlor[oform] at Mauldsheugh for a circumcision, to Forest Road, Kirkwynd, Knowepark, Ettrick Mill etc + in afternoon went to Riddell + Lilliesleaf for Dav. [Graham] who was up Ettrick. Was shocked to hear of Pritty’s death this morning. I have known him since /86 or /85. Helen had tea at Mrs Harkness’². Nancy + Tim³ rode to the meet at Ashkirk.

¹ John Pritty, Burgh Surveyor, died 13 March 1920 at Craigneuk, Chapel Street, Selkirk, aged 63 of cardiac failure certified by J Murray Hiddleston [see diary entry for 12 March 1920]; he was the son of Francis Pritty, silversmith and engraver, and Lilias Pritty née Boag

² Isabella ‘Bell’ Harkness née Lockie (1859-1929), widow of John Harkness, baker; their daughter Ella Fairbairn Harkness (1893-1915) a woollen millworker died in 1915, aged 22, at Curror Street, Selkirk of phthisis pulmonalis; from previous references in his diaries it seems that Dr Muir’s daughters kept in touch with her mother

³ George Edward ‘Tim’ Roberts (1911-2005), Dr Muir’s grandson, later a mill owner

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/22, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1919]