Title: Healers, Helpers and Hospitals
Subtitle: A History of Military Medicine in the Anglo-Boer War
Volumes I and II
Author: J.C. de Villiers
Publisher: Protea Boekhuis
Pretoria, South Africa 2009
ISBN 9781869192777
Hardcover, slipcase, 18 x 20 cm, Vol. 1: 772 pages, Vol 2: 324 pages, throughout illustrated, English text
The Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) was a “little war” fought in a remote corner of the British Empire. This conflict in southern Africa, however, represented a watershed in military medicine, and the way armies take care of their soldiers in war. This extensive work covers all military medical aspects of the conflict. From the influence of Red Cross societies, foreign aid from Belgium, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, the United States of America and the Netherlands to the clinical aspects of military medical care. Healers, helpers and hospitals contributes to our canon on this war which continues to intrigue readers and historians from all over the world.
Volume I of Healers, Helpers and Hospitals - A History of Military Medicine in the Anglo-Boer War recounts the history behind the doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners during the war. The British and Boer medical military organizations are explained in detail, giving new insights into the difficulties experienced by each side of the war. The contribution of neutral countries and organizations such as the Red Cross is also dealt with and gives the reader a good idea of the influence this war had on countries as far away as Canada, Belgium, Germany, France and Russia.
Volume II of Healers, Helpers and Hospitals - A History of Military Medicine in the Anglo-Boer War is predominantly concerned with the clinical aspects of military medical care and deals with wounds produced by particular missiles, the surgical handling of these wounds by surgeons on both sides, surgical anaesthesia and diagnostic radiology. The plague epidemic in Cape Town, psychiatric disorders as presented in combatants in both camps and the impact of typhoid and other infections, are described. The story is also told of traditional remedies used by the Boers and the work of a number of unqualified Boer medical helpers during the guerrilla phase of the war.
