Jay Arena (Duke's "Mr. Poison") has succeeded in compiling what should prove to be a revered reference for practicing pediatricians and poison control personnel. In his preface he traces succinctly the history of his own interest in poison problems providing, in process, a quick glimpse at one dramatic change that has taken place in the face of medicine over the past decade (though omitting mention of his own contribution to it).
The book's organization is simple—from the general to the specific. That the second paragraph focuses concisely on prevention affirms the author's long-held conviction in this regard. There then is developed a section on diagnostic considerations and emergency drugs, equipment, and procedures; it too is clear and concise. There follow chapters on insecticides, fungicides and other "cides," industrial and occupational hazards, drugs (by class), soaps and cosmetics, plants and animals, and miscellaneous compounds—that group which always proves so elusive. Next,