The NMJI

Comprehensive Medical Toxicology. V. V. Pillay. Paras Medical Publisher, Hyderabad, 2003. 693 pp, Rs 750. ISBN 81–88129–86–0.

The first edition of this book has five major sections—general, chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical and social toxicology. Each section has adequate information supported by suitable current references for the benefit of medical students, clinicians, toxicologists and pharmacologists. The book has a readable format with narrations, tables and figures including line diagrams. However, the information provided in Table 1.2 on the usual fatal dose of common toxic agents has variable denominators, e.g. the dose of ethanol per kg body weight for acids is an arbitrary value of 10–15 ml. The author should have specified the nature and strength of the acid. He could have considered Codex regulations apart from the more exhaustive coverage under analytical toxicology, which forms the backbone of medical toxicology. Detailed information on chemical toxicology is provided in Chapter 5 under Section II. The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) guidelines should have found a place in this section as most cases of chemical toxicology occur at occupational sites.

The dynamic nature of the topic has provided ample scope to quote recent trends in many places, including the current toxic levels of various substances that could damage health. The author rightly feels that the book will have a wide range of readers, including professionals from both the medical and paramedical fields. Sincere efforts have been made to cover all topics in general toxicology; however, analytical details could have been improved to help readers. At present, the book seems to be worth its price as no other Indian textbook, written in such exhaustive detail, is available at this cost; but it might require revision soon. Apart from highlighting the regulatory aspects under medicolegal toxicology, the legal implications could have been considered where required.
The strengths of the book are the large number of appropriate references, informative and concise tables, brand names of drugs, photographs depicting the natural form of the material discussed and suitable case histories.

The book is well written, comprehensive and informative. Cross-references provide scope for verifying the contents. The good quality of the printing and paper is commendable and justifies the price of the book.