Lice, lost dentures and varicose veins ...(Wellcome Library)

Carlos Paton Blacker or 'Pip' as he was more commonly known by his closer contacts, was a psychiatrist and eugenicist who played a crucial role in family planning in Britain during the 20th century. His archive, which is in the process of being digitised, also provides an insight into the role of a medical officer of health during the second world war. A decorated war hero, Blacker worked for the Coldstream Guards. His papers from this period throw light not only on common complaints suffered by servicemen, but also on his personal experience of the war