Author Description

This book provides a thorough review of the natural poisons that occur in animals, plants, and microbes, and presents new and original findings in many topical fields of toxinology. The contributors, each acknowledged authorities in their respective fields, first offer an overview of the problem of natural poisoning and its responsibility for widespread ill-health and large numbers of deaths among humans and animals. They then discuss the isolation, modes of action, and metabolism of natural toxins. A final chapter covers the development and use of antivenoms and antitoxins for the treatment of victims of natural poisons. The book will serve as an authoritative statement for clinicians and veterinarians who treat poisoning, and to all scientists working on the isolation and characterization of toxins or who use them in biological and medical research.