Authoritative reference on medical toxicology, focusing on the four subjects of natural substances, chemical and physical toxins, drugs of abuse, and pharmaceutical overdose.

Dr. Barceloux (medicine, UCLA) lists hundreds of substances found in nature and discusses them in terms of toxicity. The work is divided by type: food borne toxins, fungi, medicinal herbs and essential oils, plants and venomous animals. Each subject is described chemically and physically. Barceloux explains how one might come into contact with the toxin, reactions to it and treatment and well as dosage and any medicinal uses. Mystery writers looking for a new and exciting poison will love this book. It is also a useful reference guide for general practitioners, emergency room medical personnel and people inclined to trust in "natural" oils and cures. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)