University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Scope and Contents "This man is a bad alcoholic, goes out on the hills alone and drinks, seems to be deteriorating, sits over the fire and chuckles. Farm proprietor - rateable value of farm £714. This family is said to be all shy and peculiar, keep very much to themselves. They were originally only shepherds, but an uncle made a lot of money in the last war and left it to them. Dr. does not think this man is a bad alcoholic; drinks and enjoys himself very well, is seldom ill and so is rarely seen by the...

Scope and Contents "This man and his wife are most peculiar, do not get on with anybody, peer round the curtain to see who is at the door. One of them is always ill. House dirty. Nurse: The husband is not so bad as the wife - she is not fit to do much and is very queer. She is his second wife; there are no children. They own the house. [Male informant] says this is a very intellgent man, a miner who went to university. PAO: A cantankerous old man who is at loggerheads with everybody. Convicted of assaulting...

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"This old lady is peculiar, a hermit, lives alone with a lodger as queer as herself. Very fond of a wee drop. Very bad with rheumatism and can hardly get about. No relations known. Dirty house, 2 rooms for 2, nobody else would live in it. PAO: pickled - will never die, alert mentally but very old. Widow's pension and supplement. Dr - senile, chronic tippler."

Scope and Contents "Admitted to CRI. Diagnosis: Senile Melancholia. This old lady was brought to Hospice after consultation and much persuasion. She behaved quite pleasantly but was absolutely obstinate about giving particulars or history and this was dispensed with. Occupation: Housewife (husband was a coal merchant). Previously in CRI with mania. Illegitimate. No children. Apparently alcoholic during her manic phase. Had had a depression in her late 30's. [Female teacher[ confirms. Can be very nice but can...

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"As black as a sweep, simple, used to sleep in an outhouse, not in a stable. Used to be a jobbing joiner, spent all his money in the pub, does not keep himself clean, alcoholic. Will be going to the poorhouse. Used to live in a pigstye. Drank ++, used the pub as his club, looked very queer, but not daft. Failing with age and now only slightly alcoholic. Was a excellent joiner once."

Scope and Contents From the File:

Questionnaires for persons in Area 1.

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"Drank, one of the worst, ill just now. Retired railway worker but did no work for 20 years, always sponging. Wife dead, was decent. Clean house. No public assistance. Dr: Old and alcoholic. Condemned house, 2 rooms."

Relatives in survey: daughter 16.99, grandson 16.89

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'Horrible old man, done looking, drinks too. Dr says he is senile.'

Relatives in survey: Grandchildren 20.81, 20.80, 20.83, son 20.79

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"This woman is a tartar, has an awful tongue, used to be an alcoholic. Mother ided in CRI- senile. Husband dead. Housing conditions good."

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"This old Irishman lives alone, is peculiar, was a drainer. "Most peculiar old customer" - imagines people are taking advantage of him, has a strong hatred towards his next door neighbour who is his landlord. Has not worked for at least 11 years. Incomer. House dirty. Dr says this man used to be an alcoholic, is senile and should be in an institution. House is filthy."