We are delighted to present an updated full-color edition of Essentials
of Toxicology, which distills the major principles and concepts of
toxicology that were described in detail in the seventh edition of Casarett
& Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. We are grateful
to the colleagues who contributed to the seventh edition of Casarett
& Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons; their
contributions to the parent text served as the foundation for the chapters
in this edition of Essentials of Toxicology.
Essentials of Toxicology concisely presents the broad science of
toxicology. Important concepts from anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry
have been included to facilitate the understanding of the principles and
mechanisms of toxicant action on specific organ systems. It is hoped that
the book will be useful to students in undergraduate and graduate courses in
toxicology, as well as students from other disciplines, who want to have a
strong foundation in toxicologic concepts and principles.
The book is organized into seven units: (1) General
Principles of Toxicology; (2) Disposition of Toxicants; (3)
Nonorgan-directed Toxicity; (4) Target Organ Toxicity; (5) Toxic Agents; (6)
Environmental Toxicology; and (7) Applications of Toxicology. A summary of
important points is included at the beginning of each chapter, and a set of
review questions is provided at the end of each chapter. We invite our
readers to send us their suggestions of ways to improve this text and we
appreciate the thoughtful suggestions that we received on the last edition.
We would like to acknowledge all individuals who were
involved in this project. We particularly give a heartfelt and sincere
thanks to our families for their love, patience, and support during the
preparation of this book. We especially appreciate Ronnie Hamrick, Greg
Dowling, Todd Dejulio, and Ruth Sanders who provided invaluable assistance
on this project. The capable advice, guidance, and assistance of the
McGraw-Hill staff is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, we thank our students
for their enthusiasm for learning and what they have taught us during their
time with us.
Curtis D. Klaassen
John B.
Watkins III