To Stand by the Sickbed describes the development of medical services in the Swansea and Neath districts, drawing on what is known of the work of doctors who practised there from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century. It contains biographical details concerning 310 doctors and a number of photographs, and the discussion of the medical advances in that period makes fascinating reading. It will be of interest to those who enjoy medical or social history.

List of Illustrations; List of Abbreviations; PART ONE: Chapter One: Early Medicine; Chapter Two: The Eighteenth Century; Chapter Three: Alternative Medicine in the Nineteenth Century; Chapter Four: Orthodox Medicine in the Nineteenth Century; Chapter Five: Medicine Becomes More Organized; Chapter Six: Medicine Becomes More Specialized; Chapter Seven: Laboratory Medicine; Chapter Eight: Infectious Diseases; Chapter Nine: A New Approach: Preventive Medicine; Chapter Ten: Other Branches of Medicine; Chapter Eleven: Publications and Lectures by Swansea Doctors; Chapter Twelve: Administrative, Legal and Municipal Matters; Chapter Thirteen: Nursing Services; Conclusion; PART TWO: A Register of Neath and Swansea doctors