Customer Reviews

Snake venom poisoning

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Doctor Findlay Russell is widely acknowledged as one of the world's leading authorities on snakes and the pharmacology of snake venoms. This text serves as powerful collaborating evidence of the validity of that reputation.

Snake Venom Poisoning is a well-rounded examination of the many facets of serpent life, including natural history, environmental considerations, serum toxicology, clinical indications,legal concerns and even common misconceptions and mythology. The book is definitely written with the clinician in mind, but anyone with a strong interest or moderate grounding in the subject matter will find the work easy to navigate through and profoundly interesting.

Numerous case studies are presented, alongwith some rather disturbing photographs of the physical results of envenomations. The chapters on pharmacology and the chemical composition of venom are extremely technical, but still contain sufficient general information to be of value to anyone, including the layperson.

Snake Venom Poisoning is not light reading. However, to the serious student of toxicology or to those whose vocation or avocation places them in proximity to these fascinating but potentially deadly creatures, this volume is an invaluable asset.

Russell has obviously drawn upon his extensive personal and technical knowlege and experience in the compilation of the most comprehensive investigation and explanation of snake venom poisoning available in the current literature set. This book does not cater to the esoteric niches so often found in critical and viable research documents nor is it filled with contrite anecdotes to humor the 4th grade intellect normally reserved for this subject matter, but rather addresses both technical and layman questions with direct and thoughtful insight and explains at both levels the immense complexity and the profoundly simple beauty that is snakes and snake venoms. This book is a must for emergency room MDs, EMTs, amateur herpetologists, and anyone interested in the pharmacology of snake venoms.

I read this book because of my interest in keeping venomous snakes. I had a bad case of complacency which this book cured real quick, Although I still hope to work with and keep venomous snakes someday.Anybody considering handling "hot" herps needs to read this book. I was also impressed by the chapter on gila monsters that was included in this book. Good job Doctor.