The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere

The discussion of envenomation identification, grading, and treatment is fascinating and clinically valuable. I was very impressed with the organization and readability of the text. I nearly forgot to mention the wonderful color photographs.... The amount of information packed into these two volumes is truly mindboggling. This is a 'must have' reference for anyone interested in these creatures. -- Grady Calhoun * "The Forked Tongue," The Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society * The information available is overwhelming, yet it is presented in scholarly and clearly understandable fashion, utilizing every available form of still documentation.... The two volumes are indeed a masterful compilation and overview of the venomous reptiles in this geographic region. The volumes are well-produced and published, with sturdy binding, easily readable font size and style, and excellent quality printing of illustrations, colored figures, and the abundant colored photographic plates.... The chapter on 'Venom Poisoning by North American Reptiles' and the following contribution entitled 'Snake Bites in Central and South America: Epidemiology Clinical Features and Clinical Management' offers abundant experiences, observations, and recommendations that often support those currently used by toxicologists and emergency room physicians in North America, yet are diverse enough to highlight some of the controversies and continuing debates on what is most appropriate when and how!... One could easily spend many hours reviewing the clinical recommendations made and observing the excellent documented color photographs of effects and the good-and-bad results from various management procedures.... Just to skim through the illustrations and accompanying text for elaboration opens up a new world for students, herpetologists, zoologists, and veterinary and human toxicologists conducting research in the field or at the zoo, or managing envenomated patients. * Veterinary and Human Toxicology *