3 Review(s)

Preface to the 17th Edition----When I prepared the 15th edition of this book making a radical departure from the way an Indianmedical textbook is generally written, with a daring, avant-garde approach, there were severalwell-meaning colleagues who said that it would not work, and that medical students in Indiaprefer sober (sombre!), conservative books, even if they are a little monotonous, repetitive, andpedantic. Any book that deviated from this straight and narrow path would be given the shortshrift, they said. I decided to take the plunge anyway, since it is in my nature to be a bit of a maverick, andbesides, I was somehow convinced that the modern-day students exposed to the Internet, cabletelevision, mobile phones, and multiplex movies are far removed from my own generation whogrew up with radios and record players, black and white television, fixed landline telephones andold fashioned movies in musty cinema halls!The proof of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. And the pudding was gone in no time!Twice around! Both the 15th and 16th editions were gobbled up by ravenous students hungry forknowledge that is not bland, but instead garnished with stimulating and thought provokingenlightenment. For far too long they had been served dull and dreary information delivered withmind numbing repetition in book after monotonous book. What more proof is required that ouryounger generation wants exciting changes even with regard to the books that they consume! Themessage is loud and clear: throw out the old and traditional menu! Ring in the new and exoticstuff!And so, I am back with a fresh plate of trending forensic-toxic delights and delicacies. Thistime with even more enticing ingredients. The entire textual matter has been thoroughly updated,refined and pruned, while older, faded photographs have made way for crystal clear originalillustrations sent in by numerous colleagues from all across the country.With this, the 17th edition, I am further transgressing traditional frontiers to venture deeperinto untrammelled territories, and you are now looking at a spanking new edition with irresistiblycompelling and engrossing contents! So what are you waiting for?Go ahead, close the door, draw a chair to the window or a good source of light, put your feetup, sip some stimulating beverage, turn off your cell phone and other distracting devices, turn onsome rock music in the background, and savour and devour both forensic medicine and toxicologyto your heart's content!And like Oliver Twist, when you are done, ask for more! Rest assured, it will be dished out inthe 18th edition!And continue emailing me your bouquets and brickbats on drvvpillay@gmail.com.