University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Scope and Contents

"This man was very backward in school. He is now working as a labourer for the County Council. Is thought to be asthmatic; alcoholic at times. Used to break stones on road, now in regular work. Dr does not consider this man dull, but only a chronic asthmatic but [female teacher] says he could not learn to spell two letter words. One shoulder higher than the other, spits a lot."

Relatives in survey: 29.178, 29.91, 29.92

Scope and Contents

"This farmer is a drunken brute. Married, no family, no siblings known. Well-to-do, clean and comfortable. Doctor confirms that this man drinks, but he does not think it interferes with his work."

Relatives in survey: 13.11

Scope and Contents

"This is a bad alcoholic, a tramp shepherd. He drinks every penny he earns and is quarrelsome in liquor. P.A.O: Funny fellow, no' just altogether correct, No P.A. Big daft kind of fellow."

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

"Was very backward at school. He is now doing very well as a tractor driver. P.C. confirms - this is a silly lad, has been in trouble with the police for drinking."

Relatives in survey, son 15.28, brother 15.1

Scope and Contents

'This man is a big soft type, drinks, a farm labourer. [Male informant] says he was definitely simple, a soft mark a sort of amateur shepherd.'

Relatives in survey: Wife 20.10 children 20.14, 20.16, 20.12, 20.11, 20.13

Scope and Contents

"This man is a railway worker. He is alcoholic, often seen drunk by [male informant]. Had an accident and broke his leg. Family life inharmonious - wife unfaithful, when he is home she deserts and vice versa."

Relatives in survey: 2.31, 2.28, 2.30

Scope and Contents

"This woman is alcoholic. Now a cleaner. She goes about with soldiers and is "not a nice woman at all". All [her] children went wild after a certain age. Dr confirms - definitely daft and queer. Daughter ran away with men at 14, gave the police a lot of trouble."

Relatives in survey: 2.42

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...

Scope and Contents

"The only boozer in the parish, a roadman, well looked after by his wife who is nice. Good living conditions. Mother, dead, was alcoholic. Nurse confirms, he looks like it. Minister says this man drank heavily before marriage, then improved, then lapsed again. It does not interfere with his work. Bad lately."