About the Book
A unique book on recognition and investigation
of criminal poisoning for investigators
of all backgrounds and stages of their careers.
Poisons: An Introduction for Forensic Investigators is a concise yet comprehensive overview of toxicants and unanticipated circumstances in which poisoning occurs. This book expands awareness of poisoning possibilities, heightens recognition of the toxic potential of many substances, and provides information to aid in focusing investigations.
Poisons discusses life-threatening toxic substances and agents that modify behavior to achieve criminal goals. These include drugs that facilitate sexual assaults and robberies, and those found in medical child abuse and drug-product tampering.
More than 230 case studies illustrate both unintentional and intentional poisoning and highlight situations where poisoning may not immediately be apparent. Information is included in pertinent criminal poisoning cases to illustrate the temperament of poisoners, their relationship to victims, their basis for poison selection, and their method of administration.
Since Poisons is written by a single author, the discussions, format, educational level, and terminology remain consistent to aid crime scene investigators, homicide detectives, forensic scientists, death investigators, toxicologists, medical examiners, attorneys, and students. The book's more than 650 references are an asset to frame knowledge as well as a resource to return to again and again.
Table of Contents:
Part I. Poison 1. Poison and Poisoning 2. Poison Exposure 3. Poison Absorption 4. Poison Biodisposition 5. Poison Detection 6. Poisoning Treatment Part II. Potential Poisons 7. Arsenic 8. Carbon Monoxide 9. Cyanide 10. Ethylene Glycol 11. Nicotine 12. Strychnine 13. Thallium 14. Aspirin 15. Acetaminophen 16. Alcohol 17. Opioids 18. Antidepressants 19. Benzodiazepines 20. Stimulants 21. Emerging Recreational Psychotropics 22. Food Poisoning 23. Plants and Mushrooms 24. Pesticides Part III. Poisoning 25. Accidental Poisoning 26. Suicidal Poisoning 27. Homicidal Poisoning 28. Poisonous Women 29. Healthcare Serial Poisoners 30. Hospitalized Patients Poisoned by Visitors 31. Medical Child Abuse and Homicide 32. Drug Abuse Fatalities 33. Celebrity Drug Deaths 34. Drug-Facilitated Crimes 35. Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault 36. Drug Product Tampering 37. Assassination 38. Multiple Victim Poisonings Appendices
About the Author :
David J. George, Ph.D. is a clinical toxicologist and general pharmacologist with broad interests and extensive experience in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
Review :
"A straightforward, concise overview of poisons and poisonings … the author does an excellent job presenting complex toxicological principles in a manner that provides enough background information to gain a general understanding of the toxicology, clinical manifestations of certain toxicants, and situations that surround poisons and poisonings. A great supplemental resource for forensic investigators … [and] a broader range of readers including forensic science students, toxicologists, and other professionals involved in medicolegal death investigations."—Journal of Forensic Sciences, November 2018
"Debut author George presents an in-depth book on poisons. [While] technical terms occur throughout, … the text is still highly readable for the layperson. For those who have given little thought to the many noxious substances around them, the book serves as an eye opener. Provides a highly informative … look at the world of harmful substances." —Kirkus Review, July 2018
"Poisons: An Introduction for Forensic Investigators by David J. George, PhD is a fascinating and approachable text that uses a primarily case-based approach to raise awareness of the expansive scope of poisoning. While, primarily, for the forensic toxicologist and criminal investigator it will be of interest to all types of toxicologists and other medical specialists that may take care of a poisoned patient or include poisoning in a differential diagnosis … a fascinating and well-written introductory text on poisoning and poisoning investigation."—Journal of Clinical Toxicology, February 2019
"Overall, this book is a comprehensive resource for law enforcement, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, and others who are interested in learning more about poisons and their effects on the human body. Dr. George offers a clear and concise view of this subject matter taken from his years of experience in the field. The writing style of the author engages readers of various backgrounds, and the book provides an exceptional introduction … an informative read."—Forensic Science Review, July 2018
"Dr. George has written Poisons in a manner which will appeal to professionals in the field of pharmacology and forensic science and investigation, and to be accessible and engaging for those with no toxicology or science-based background. If you have a curiosity about poisons, their mechanisms and dangers, and the cases in which they have been used … Poisons should be your first port of call. An excellent informative read which will educate regardless of your current level of knowledge on the subject of poisons."—Fiona Guy, Crime Traveller
"A straightforward, concise overview of poisons and poisonings … the author does an excellent job presenting complex toxicological principles in a manner that provides enough background information to gain a general understanding of the toxicology, clinical manifestations of certain toxicants, and situations that surround poisons and poisonings. A great supplemental resource for forensic investigators … [and] a broader range of readers including forensic science students, toxicologists, and other professionals involved in medicolegal death investigations."—Journal of Forensic Sciences, November 2018
"Debut author George presents an in-depth book on poisons. [While] technical terms occur throughout, … the text is still highly readable for the layperson. For those who have given little thought to the many noxious substances around them, the book serves as an eye opener. Provides a highly informative … look at the world of harmful substances." —Kirkus Review, July 2018
"Poisons: An Introduction for Forensic Investigators by David J. George, PhD is a fascinating and approachable text that uses a primarily case-based approach to raise awareness of the expansive scope of poisoning. While, primarily, for the forensic toxicologist and criminal investigator it will be of interest to all types of toxicologists and other medical specialists that may take care of a poisoned patient or include poisoning in a differential diagnosis … a fascinating and well-written introductory text on poisoning and poisoning investigation."—Journal of Clinical Toxicology, February 2019
"Overall, this book is a comprehensive resource for law enforcement, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, and others who are interested in learning more about poisons and their effects on the human body. Dr. George offers a clear and concise view of this subject matter taken from his years of experience in the field. The writing style of the author engages readers of various backgrounds, and the book provides an exceptional introduction … an informative read."—Forensic Science Review, July 2018
"Dr. George has written Poisons in a manner which will appeal to professionals in the field of pharmacology and forensic science and investigation, and to be accessible and engaging for those with no toxicology or science-based background. If you have a curiosity about poisons, their mechanisms and dangers, and the cases in which they have been used … Poisons should be your first port of call. An excellent informative read which will educate regardless of your current level of knowledge on the subject of poisons."—Fiona Guy, Crime Traveller
