Another charming day: real summer. Went to Faldonside immediately after breakfast. Found Miss D. [Dees¹] i.s.q.² [and] had a fair amount of sleep. Took David down with me at night. He suggested an acriflavine³ as a dressing for the head. Lot of accounts being paid. Wrote Helen⁴. Dora⁵ + Boyack⁶ took their tea at the “Skeely Brig”⁷ + went to the Picture House at night. Miss Waugh⁸ went away for a few days + a friend called Harkness came in her place. There are no cases at Viewfield but John Nicolson⁹ + the Taylors¹⁰.

¹ Phyllis Mary ‘Fiff’ Dees (1899-1920) had suffered a head injury in a car accident 24 August 1920; she was the daughter of Robert Irwin Dees (1872-1923) and Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson, the new (1920) tenants at Faldonside

² In Status Quo

³ Acriflavine was a topical antiseptic developed before the First World War

⁴ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter

⁵ Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter

⁶ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

⁷ The Skeely [Skellie?] Brig has not been identified but has the look of a Scots cultural or literary allusion; the Editor would be pleased to receive information

⁸ Not identified

⁹ John Nicholson (c.1858-1920), woollen mill foreman, retired, of 32 High Street, Selkirk was suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic cystitis

¹⁰ Not identified

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

Few berries on Rowan tree which is already showing autumnal colour

A delightful calm warm day + most pleasant out of doors. Went down to Faldonside in forenoon + met Scott Skirving¹. He was pleased with Miss Dees² on the whole but would not operate. Called at the Hospital + found that Miss Dickson³ knows Dees⁴ + all about him. She declares he is very wealthy. Had a call from Pollok⁵ about the preaching woman Turnbull. Messages to Mrs Wright⁶, Clifton Road: Rob. Colledge⁷ (staying with his sister at Springbank): Mary Scott⁸, Goslaw Green (who died at 6): + at night to Mrs Dobson⁹, Tower Road. Cycled to Faldonside in evening. Temp. 102^o.

¹ Archibald Adam Scott Skirving (1869-1930), M.B., C.M., lecturer in Clinical Surgery, Royal Edinburgh Infirmary

² Phyllis Mary ‘Fiff’ Dees (1899-1920) had suffered a head injury in a car accident 24 August 1920; she was the daughter of Robert Irwin Dees (1872-1923) and Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson, the new (1920) tenants at Faldonside

³ Not identified

⁴ Robert Irwin Dees (1872-1923), he had inheritance approximately £90,000 on the death of his uncle Robert Richardson Dees, solicitor, of Wallsend, in 1908

⁵ John Pollok (1858-1938), Town Clerk and Procurator Fiscal, Selkirk

⁶ Isabella Wright née Johnstone (c.1874-1923), wife of Andrew Johnstone, tailor’s cutter (1871-1955); at 6a Clifton Road, Selkirk, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁷ Robert Darling or Robert Naismyth ‘Rob’ Colledge (1868-1945) would probably have been staying with his sister Jessie Isabella aka Jessie Darling Bryson née Colledge (1876-1970) and her husband William Henry Bryson at Springbank, Tait’s Hill, Selkirk; they were the children of Thomas Colledge and Elizabeth Darling, married 1857 at Lauder, and Jessie Darling had married at Selkirk in 1903

⁸ Mary Scott (c.1865-1920), powerloom weaver, daughter of Archibald Scott, handloom weaver, and Margaret Scott née White, died 26 August 1920, aged 55, at 15 Goslaw Green, of “laryngeo [sic] pulmonary tuberculosis 2 years” certified by John S Muir M.B. &c and notified by James Brownlee, brother-in-law

⁹ Helen Dobson née Hope (c.1859-1920), widow of George Dobson, woollen designer, living at Kirkwood, Forest Road, Selkirk, 1920

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

Was twice at Faldonside. Miss Dees¹ as well as could be expected but critical. There was almost no haemorrhage + her temp. was normal. Washed out her ears. She has just got engaged to a Mr Lemon who, with his father + mother + Mrs Dees were all at the Grey Mares Tail + had the accident coming home by Ettrick². Found Dees quite a nice woman. Asked Scott Skirving³ to come out again tomorrow. Dora [Muir] has a very sore hand with a wasp sting.

¹ Phyllis Mary ‘Fiff’ Dees (1899-1920) had suffered a head injury in a car accident 24 August 1920; she was the daughter of Robert Irwin Dees (1872-1923) and Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson, the new (1920) tenants at Faldonside

² See diary entry for 24 August 1920

³ Archibald Adam Scott Skirving (1869-1930), M.B., C.M., lecturer in Clinical Surgery, Royal Edinburgh Infirmary

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

Bella¹ came home from Viewfield today

Felt a little stiff today but quite fit. David [Graham] went to Edinburgh about a man for Viewfield + to heat [?] up some patients. I saw some town cases + motored to Shielshaugh (Warwick²) [and] at 6 got ‘Phone from Dees, Faldonside to come down as there had been a motor accident + to bring a nurse. Took Boyack³ with me. Found that Dees⁴, driving a small Rover [?] had been upset near Berrybush⁵ + his daughter⁶ had a fractured base + her collar bone⁷. Menzies⁸ had been ‘Phoned for from Yarrow Fues + was at Faldonside. I ‘Phoned for Scott Skirving⁹ who came out about 10. He thought there was a fracture but no need to operate. I got some dinner there.

¹ Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-?1952), Dr Muir’s housekeeper

² Andrew Warwick, head gamekeeper, and Margaret Warwick née Jackson lived at Shielshaugh

³ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

⁴ Robert Irwin ‘Robber’ Dees (1872-1943), had inherited approximately £90,000 on the death of his uncle Robert Richardson Dees, solicitor, of Wallsend in 1908 and had taken the tenancy of Faldonside in 1920

⁵ Phyllis Mary ‘Fiff’ Dees (1899-1920), the daughter of Robert Irwin Dees (1872-1923) and Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson, the new (1920) tenants at Faldonside

⁶ This sounds like basilar skull fracture – a break of a bone in the base of the skull – symptoms may include bruising behind the ears, bruising around the eyes, or blood behind the ear drum or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak

⁷ The party had taken the Gordon Arms – Eldinhope – Hartleap – Tushielaw route and had overturned near Berrybush, presumably as they approached the highest point at grid reference NGR NT282,197

⁸ James Morris Menzies (1871-1926), M.B., Ch.M., M.D., medical practitioner, of Ettrick Lodge, Selkirk

⁹ Archibald Adam Scott Skirving (1869-1930), M.B., C.M., lecturer in Clinical Surgery, Royal Edinburgh Infirmary

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

I had a delightful cycle run of 98 miles. Breakfasted a 5 + left at 6. Went to Kelso, Swinton, Union Bridge, Norham, Allerdean, Ancroft, Barmoor, Doddington, Fenton, Branxton Moor, Learmouth, Hadden, Sprouston¹ [and] St Boswells, getting back at 8.30. It was a perfect day except for a haze which hid distant views though I saw Cheviot from above Doddington. The Tweed at Union Bridge was lovely. Had lunch at 1.45 between Ancroft + Barmoor, + a glass of ale at St Boswells. Felt fairly fresh + less tired than after my run to Crook Cottage on Saturday.

¹ Swinton (grid reference NGR NT835,474), Union Bridge (NT934,510), Norham (NT899,472), Allerdean (NT966,465), Ancroft (NU001,451), Barmoor (NU002,398), Doddington (NT998,325), Fenton (NT971,338), Branxton (NT894,376), Learmouth (NT862,374), Hadden (NT789,361) and Sprouston (NT755,351)

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

Nearly all Dovecot Park cut for hay = 4 ricks up

Less wind today though still N.E. + more sun. It was quite hot at the foot of the garden where we had Miss Waugh¹ from Viewfield to tea. I had almost nothing to do except at the Home where the younger Miss Taylor² has chickenpox. I also saw Mrs Dobson³, Forest Road + Jane Johnstone⁴. Went to forenoon service with Boyack⁵.

¹ This would be one of the medical staff but she is otherwise unidentified

² Not identified

³ Assume Helen Dobson née Hope (c.1859-1920), widow of George Dobson, woollen designer, living at Kirkwood, Forest Road, Selkirk, 1920 and died 24 September 1920

⁴ Assume Jane Pringle Johnston (1868-1920), confectioner, of 14 West Port, Selkirk; the daughter of Alexander Johnstone, tailor and clothier, and Jane Johnstone née Armstrong

⁵ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

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

Strongish N.E. wind: fine morning + fair till after 6 when there was some rain. I had a fine cycle run to Crook Cottage¹, left at 9.30. Called at Kirkhope manse about Jeanie Amos² whom I called for at Kirkhope Cottages + persuaded her to go to the Poorhouse + she was taken there in the ambulance. Got back at 2.45, the wind was pretty stiff against me coming down + I was rather tired + very ready for my tea. Dora + Boyack³ went to Shawpark to tea. Connie Patrick⁴ left this morning. David [Graham] looked in at night.

¹ Crook Cottage, Overkirkhope, NGR NT217,123, Ordnance Survey 6” Selkirkshire Sheet XVII.SE, published 1900

² Not identified

³ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

⁴ Constance Mary ‘Connie’ Patrick (1882-1968), born Hamilton, Lanarks, the daughter of David Patrick, writer, and Christina Robertson Patrick née Rodger, married 1874, Selkirk; she was therefore the granddaughter of Peter Rodger (1804-1888), sometime Town Clerk of Selkirk, the niece of Dr Muir’s wife Andrina Rodger and first cousin to Dr Muir’s children

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

Very cold dull morning + rain apparently recent. However it gradually brightened + was a nice sunny afternoon + at night it was calm + a perfectly clear sky with a half moon. Wind N.E. to N. Removed a papilloma from And. Barton’s cheek¹. Cycled to W. [illegible], Ettrickhaugh Road + Curror Street. D. [Graham] saw John Nicolson² [sic] in the morning + at night. The girls trained to Lindean + walked [to] tea with Jessie Boyd³. Missing a train they walked home. I was in the house alone from 2.30 till 7 when they returned + then I cycled to Yarrowford to see Sandy Ruickbie⁴. Went up in 26 minutes + came back in 28.

¹ Assume Andrew Barton (c.1849-1927), farmer, tenant at Oakwoodmill, Selkirk with brother James Barton, 1920 and 1930 Valuation Rolls; married to Rebecca Grant, he was the son of William Barton and Agnes Turnbull; his tenancy later shared with William his son, presumably when James moved to Melrose

² John Nicholson (c.1858-1920), woollen mill foreman, retired, of 32 High Street, Selkirk, son of James Nicholson, woollen mill worker, and Isabella Nicholson née Armstrong, and widower of Margaret Beattie, he had been suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic cystitis

³ Jessie Milne Brack Boyd (1867-1961), of Faldonside, plantswoman and gardener

⁴ Alexander ‘Sandy’ Ruickbie sometimes Ruckbie (about 1834-1926) and Jane Ruickbie née Watt (about 1842-1917) lived at Lewinshope, Yarrow at the time of the 1911 census and Alexander was noted as occupier at Yarrowford, 1915 and 1920 Valuation Rolls

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

On the whole a better day but still a cold N.E. wind + some showers. Saw 9 town cases cycling + John Nicolson [sic]¹ at Viewfield twice. It always takes at least half an hour to wash out his bladder. Bella² not as well + requiring Eupnine³. Paid some accts including Thomson’s for the wire netting, the items for which came to £13 odd. Sent the girls to the Picture House in the evening. Wrote Helen⁴.

¹ John Nicholson, woollen mill foreman, retired, of 32 High Street, Selkirk was at Viewfield Nursing Home, suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic cystitis

² Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-), Dr Muir’s housekeeper

³ “For Bronchitis, Asthma, Emphysema and Bronchiectasis adjuvant in the treatment of Sequaelae of Influenza Messrs. Wilcox Jozeau market Eupnine Vernade in a palatable stable solution containing 10 per cent of caffeine iodide. Eupnine Vernade is the original product which exerts an intense action on the respiratory tract, stimulating the bronchial secretion and facilitating expectoration. It regulates and strengthens the heart, contracts the blood vessels of the splanchnic area, but dilates those of the heart and lung. Thus, although there is litle nett change in the blood pressure, the circulation of the blood through the lungs is stimulated, thereby mitigating stasis. Eupnine Vernade also exerts a powerful diuretic action, thus diminishing the strain on the heart. An advantage is that Eupnine Vernade does not give rise to iodism and it is palatable and stable, it is effective in small doses, thus rendering the cost of treatment relatively low; in the small size it is available at 2/4 and the large size at 4/-, less 10 per cent. professional discount.” [Source: The Post-Graduate Medical Journal, the oficial organ of the Pellowship of Medicine and Post-Graduate Medical Association, February, 1939 https://pmj.bmj.com/content/postgradmedj/15/160/local/admin.pdf%5D

⁴ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter

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

Poured all night. Fair in morning but showers during the day. Ettrick in top flood. Saw John Nicolson¹ morning + evening and washed out his bladder. Saw Dav. [Graham, co-partner] open an abscess for a man Foster. Went to Co-op + St Mary Mills [sic], Ashybank, Clifton Road + Knowepark. Was at home in afternoon sought to see Bourke², Kirkwynd. The girls all walked to Lauriston twice. P.C. [postcard] from Jean to say the ham was posted.

¹ John Nicholson (c.1858-1920), woollen mill foreman, retired, of 32 High Street, Selkirk, son of James Nicholson, woollen mill worker, and Isabella Nicholson née Armstrong, and widower of Margaret Beattie, he was suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic cystitis

² Possibly John Bourke, 11 Kirk Wynd, Selkirk, 1920 Valuation Roll

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