Rose at 2.30, + left in the Straker¹ at 3.40, a tyre went down at [left blank] + again at the 62nd mile stone so I got on my bike there². It was a fine morning, though sharp + my fingers were cold for a while, I got along very easily to Carlisle. Stopped for breakfast at what used to be a fine wood between Longtown + Carlisle but is now cut down. Got to Carlisle at 11. An uninteresting road to Cockermouth except for a glimpse of the Lake hills. Was stopped at Bothel³ by a thunderstorm for 1¹/₄ hours. Got a glass of beer and read yesterday’s paper. After Cockermouth the wind S.E. was against me + the road so very rough + hilly. I was There was some more thunder + rain + I was pretty well fagged when I arrived at Buttermere. Nancy + Jack [Roberts] arrived half an hour later + very kindly brought my box. After dinner went soon to bed.

¹ Straker Squire or Straker-Squire Ltd., also Brazil, Straker (1901-1927), motor manufacturer, previously referred to in Dr Muir’s diary of 22 May 1919

² This must mean that Dr Muir had been driven part of the way

³ North east of Cockermouth, on the A595 from Carlisle

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

Got my trunk away to Buttermere (or rather Cockermouth) by the 9.34 at a cost of 6/d. Carlota Rodger¹ returned from South Africa on Saturday. [She] called to be vaccinated. Had a call from Rodger Quin² looking very well + as full of himself as ever. Gave him some lunch, whisky + 5/- [shillings]. Was busy getting all visits [?] up to date + completing the book into which D. [David Graham] is to mark them. We dined on pigeons from the M.C.³ + she called with 2 bottles of Muscate [sic] in which she wished us (Jack, Nancy + myself) a successful holiday. Got to bed at 10.45 + Dav. [Graham] was at Ettrick School + Craighope⁴ + had 2 punctures.

¹ Elizabeth Charlotte ‘Carlota’ Rodger (1884-), Dr Muir’s wife’s 1st Cousin Once Removed; at Bridgelands, Selkirk, 1901 Census and a wartime V.A.D. at Bowhill [SBA/657/20/48], the Southern Reporter later noted that she was a Red Cross VAD “with over 1000 hours’ voluntary service” in an article ‘Selkirkshire V.A.D.’s.’, the Southern Reporter, 6 April 1922. She went to South Africa in December 1919

² Roger or Rodger Quin (1850-1925), Dumfries born, he was a railway clerk but dropped out for the life of a wandering poet, concertinist and flute player, spending time in Selkirkshire, Lanarkshire and in England; Sir George Brisbane Douglas of Springwood stated that his verses “are harmonies evolved out of the very depths of sadness.”

³ Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk, known by Dr Muir as ‘the Magic Cave’ for her regular and generous gifts of food and drink

⁴ Craighope is at Yarrow

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

Same fair weather. Motored to Yair + Fairnilee Lodge. Gave chlor[oform] at Viewfield for a circum[cision] (Allan Riddell). Saw a few town cases + did various things for going away. Had a surprise visit from Frank Muir + Dorothy¹ on their way motoring from Faldon [?] to Moffat. Frank thinks he can do something to help us with the repair to the Swift. Wrote Swift asking them to send the part to them. Attended meeting of Hospital + Ambulance Committee. Was elected chairman of the latter. Helen was over at Abbotslea² having tea with Jenny Smith³. Got some of my packing done.

¹ Francis Frank Muir (1877-1972), electrical engineer and Dr Muir’s nephew, had married Dorothy Armitage (1873-1943), daughter of William Armitage, J.P., merchant, and Margaret Petrie Armitage née Mills, on 22 July 1909 at the Congregational Church, Bowden Downs, Bowden, Bucklow, Cheshire

² Not identified

³ Conceivably Jenny Locke Smith (1882-1952) formerly of Viewfield, Lauriston Broomhill and Mauldsheugh, all Selkirk

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

Another lovely day with continuous sunshine + slight E wind. Gave chlor[oform] for two operations at Viewfield = a tonsillectomy + a [illegible] (?) Saw some town cases. Used a new saddle I got from Stark & Murray¹ + though rather smaller than my last I found it quite comfortable. Message to see Mrs Dubs² who has a very sore arm + a temp. of 101 from Vacc [vaccination]. This was poor Jean’s wedding day + I feel as if a calamity had befallen us as a family. Mr + Mrs Brook³ from Invergordon dined with us + I took them across to Viewfield after.

¹ Stark & Murray, cycle agents, were at Chapel Street, Selkirk

² Margaret Forsyth Dubs née Arthur, formerly Smith (c.1854-1935), widow of Frank Albert Dubs of Yair

³ Alexander William Brook (c.1852-1939), corn or grain merchant, and Isabella ‘Ella’ Brook née Fraser, who had business properties and a home at Invergordon, parish of Roskeen, Ross and Cromarty

⁴ The marriage of Dr Muir’s eldest daughter Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Pike née Muir (1877-1941) to Frederick Charles Pike, a theatrical agent, enraged Dr Muir and his son-in-law, perhaps others; to modern sensibilities this seems so very wrong

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

A charming day + just about the proper temperature. At night there was a cloudless sky. Still E. Saw 10 town cases. Wrote Jean [Muir] from whom I had a letter. Dora + Helen [Muir] left at 8.13 for Edinburgh + we breakfasted at 7.30. Made out form for Petrol Rebate + sent request for Factory locum. Took spats¹ to Johnstone’s for repairs. Ordered Scotsman for Buttermere. Brought a dozen Swan Vestas. Helen returned at 7.30. Mrs McIntosh² was in Edinburgh. Vaccinated³ Cath Smith⁴ + Getty Craig Brown⁵.

¹ Spats similar to gaiters but generally smaller, lighter and often ‘dressier’

² Agnes Mackintosh, née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk

³ At this time it seems probable that this was diphtheria toxin-antitoxin mixture (TAT) but the Editor would be pleased to be corrected

⁴ Assume Catherine Adam ‘Cath’ Smith (1874-1929)

⁵ Gertrude Isabella ‘Gerty’ Craig Brown (1873-1965)

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

There had evidently been a heavy shower during the night + the dust was quite laid. There was less wind, though still E + it was appreciably warmer. It was a lovely evening, quite calm + a cloudless sky. I felt distinctly tired + was glad to use the car to Heathpark &c, Newark Mill + Faldonside. Got back just as the church was coming out. Had a quiet afternoon + sat a while in the garden. Had to go down to Glebe Terrace to see Mrs J Hogg. Got all May [accounts] posted. H., D.¹ + I supped at Wellwood. Jack, Nancy + Minnie Baillie had been to Mauricewood to see Tom McGregor². Jack³ wants to go to Edinburgh to stop Jean’s marriage⁴. I told him I might as well attempt to stop Niagara!

¹ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963) and Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), Dr Muir’s third and youngest daughters

² Thomas Low MacGregor, stockbroker, of Mauricewood, Glencorse, Midlothian [1920 Valuation Roll]

³ John Roberts junior ‘Jack’ (1876-1966), Dr Muir’s son-in-law

⁴ Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Muir (1877-1941), Dr Muir’s eldest daughter whose marriage has infuriated the Muirs

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

A very busy day, Dav. [Graham] being away in Edinburgh. Was called up at 12 a.m. for Mrs Moodie¹, Viewfield, + removed an abortion after which she nearly collapsed. At 2 [? 7 a.m.] they came for me + I saw her 4 times during the day. She died in the evening. Saw some cases in town + cycled to Lewinshope where I vacc[inated] 12. Got message to Newarkmill + later an urgent one to Gamescleuch to Mrs Taylor². Found that D. was coming direct to Lilliesleaf + tried to hire but everything was at Hawick so at 5.30 I cycled + Dav. Brunton met me at Hutlerburn [?] with his car. Met Turnbull³ of Hawick’s locum at Gamescleuch, a man Johnston, a New Zealander. He thought Mrs T dying. She was confined on the 4th. Did what we could. Cycled home against a strong E. wind + my saddle spring broke. Dav. [Graham] met me at Newhousehaugh⁴ + motored me home. Dora [Muir] arrived.

¹ Isabella Hutton Moody née Scott died at 6.20 p.m. on 12 June 1920, aged 34, at Viewfield Nursing Home, usual residence Black Andro, Bowhill, Selkirk, of “tuberculosis of lungs and septicaemia following miscarriage”, death certified by D Charteris Graham M.B., Ch.B., informant James Wallace Moody, forester

² Elizabeth Simpson Taylor née Tully, wife of Alexander Taylor, farmer, died 7.30 a.m. on 13 June 1920, aged 24, at Gamescleuch, Ettrick, of “Septic Thrombosis lower extremity, Pyæmia 9 days and Heart Failure 2 days”, her death was notified by John M Taylor her brother-in-law, of Ashybank, Hawick, and certified by W H Johnston M.D., F.R.C.S.E. – pyæmia is blood poisoning (septicæmia) caused by the spread in the bloodstream of pus-forming bacteria

³ Dr Andrew Turnbull was at Union Street, Hawick, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁴ Newhousehaugh, Kirkhope, between Singlie and Kirkhope, grid reference NGR NT373,230

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

Feeling much better + rose to breakfast. Dav. [Graham] was in early as he was going to Lilliesleaf + had to go to Edinburgh for a dinner. He motored there via Sundhope + Peebles¹. I saw a town list of 17 including Ettrick + Dunsdale Mills + Hospital. Walt. Scott², Hawthorn Cott. has a suspicion of appendicitis + Mrs Moodie³ from Black Andro, who is at Viewfield, I had to see at night. Helen [Muir] went with Jack, Nancy + Ed. George⁴ to Hawick Races⁵. Heard from Eva McClure⁶ that they can come on July 10.

¹ Dr David Graham must have had business at Sundhope, just the Gordon Arms side of Yarrow Feus, because otherwise that is a very roundabout route to Edinburgh

² James Moody, woodman, was at Blackandrew, Selkirk, 1920 Valuation Roll

³ Walter Lumsden Scott, soldier, was at Hawthorn Cottage, Selkirk, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁴ Assume George Edward ‘Tim’ Roberts (1911-2005), Dr Muir’s grandson

⁵ Assume the Hawick Common Riding’s Friday Mair where, after the point at which the Cornet ceremoniously ‘Cuts the Sod’, the participants make their way to the St Leonard’s race-course for a programme of horse-racing before the company remounts and proceeds

⁶ Jessie Evelyn Ramsay ‘Eva’ McClure née Hotson, see diary entry for 10 June 1920

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

Kept my bed all day and did some correspondence + books. Saw a boy Armstrong from Cannon Street with a sprained wrist. Bella¹ was ill too so Mousey² had a fairly busy day looking after us. The sky was Clouded + Gray + the sun never came through. There was the same cold N.E. wind. Wrote Eva McClure³ asking them for the 3^rd to 10^th July.

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

² Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter, sometime housekeeper

³ Jessie Evelyn Ramsay ‘Eva’ McClure née Hotson, wife of Alexander Logan ‘Sandy’ McClure (c.1860-1932), Advocate and sometime Sheriff of Argyle; they lived at 16 Heriot Row, Edinburgh

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

There wasn’t a speck of cloud the whole day + the wind (E) was slight. The world was looking its very best. Unfortunately I was not + a very severe Coryza developed. I felt so seedy that I went to bed in the afternoon. In the morning I cycled to Fairnilee E Lodge + Faldonside taking the “Vibrator” to Cath. Duff¹. I stuck up a notice on the Surgery door that I wouldn’t see anyone.

¹ Dr Muir had previously been treating Cath. Duff with Heroin, see diary entry for 7 June 1920

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