"Hysterical, a long wail lasting for weeks and weeks, nil organic wrong. Brother used to take queer shivering turns, doctor said they were hypoglycaemic."

Relatives in survey: children 28.41

"This woman, a governess, is a frightful neurotic, always complaining of a pain in her back, but there is no reason for it according to Dr, is an affected besom."

Relatives in survey: Mother 28.40

"This man changes his job every second week - probably an exaggeration, but has an unsteady work record. Was a stoker at the mill but complained the fumes gave him headaches. PAO: not a clean house. LE: irregular, gets restless and unsettled. a glutton for work when he does, then feels conditions are against him and goes off. "Maggotty"."

"Public enemy No. 2. Dr can't make anything of her. Frequently rings up in the middle of the night, has neuritis all over, nothing makes any difference to her except morphia which she has by the mouth. Cries with pain. These bouts vary, may last for months. Has reputation for spreading tales."

Relatives in survey: children 28.52, 28.51

"Definitely queer in the head, was very hysterical during her first pregnancy but all right at the confinement. Is convinced she has a prolapse, always complaining of a dragging feeling, but is all right. Husband abroad in the army. Dr - lives alone with her children, nice looking girl."

"Never well, neurotic, makes Dr's life a martyrdom. Cannot resist a dance or a football match, then faints at it. Very devoted family, cean house. Dr confirms - this woman is hypochondrial, looks ill on occasion, goes the colour of a corpse, lips blue, feels queer sometimes in the pictures. Dr has had to visit her every day for the last 7 years. Husband is about daft with her. Virgo intacta. High BP."

Relatives in survey: Sister 28.102

"Complains of terrible pains and swelling of her feet. A frightful neurotic, can't swallow liquid medicine, has to have it in tablet form. Is a mill worker, won't stay off work to give her feet a chance. Used always to be pestering the doctor. Rest of the family are sensible."

Relatives in survey: Mother 28.208

"Recognised as having a slate off, next-door to a lunatic. Neurotic, always complaining. Sick for the last 6/12 months - went off work because of a few shingle spots. Thinks she has a bad heart or TB."

Relatives in survey: Husband 28.64

"Inclined to be very neurotic, often takes to her bed for long periods when there is nothing wrong with her. Intelligent, used to be a teacher. [Male informant] thinks this woman is very decent, soft and easy-going. Nurse thinks that the father and daughter are two of a kind, and that the mother is all right. Clean."

Relatives in survey: husband, 28.82, daughter 28.81

"Neurosis plays a large part in the woman's illness. Complains of feeling absolutely done, is anaemic. Always having abdominal pains. X-rays, pylographs etc. - nothing to account for her pains. Husband a joiner, recently demobbed. Married sister, exactly the same, never well, bad with her nerves, felt down and out. Clean house, not overcrowded, harmonious."