TEXTBOOK OF FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY

Preface to the 17th Edition---- When I prepared the 15th edition of this book making a radical departure from the way an Indian medical textbook is generally written, with a daring, avant-garde approach, there were several well-meaning colleagues who said that it would not work, and that medical students in India prefer sober (sombre!), conservative books, even if they are a little monotonous, repetitive, and pedantic. Any book that deviated from this straight and narrow path would be given the short shrift, they said. I decided to take the plunge anyway, since it is in my nature to be a bit of a maverick, and besides, I was somehow convinced that the modern-day students exposed to the Internet, cable television, mobile phones, and multiplex movies are far removed from my own generation who grew up with radios and record players, black and white television, fixed landline telephones and old 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 for knowledge that is not bland, but instead garnished with stimulating and thought provoking enlightenment. For far too long they had been served dull and dreary information delivered with mind numbing repetition in book after monotonous book. What more proof is required that our younger generation wants exciting changes even with regard to the books that they consume! The message is loud and clear: throw out the old and traditional menu! Ring in the new and exotic stuff!And so, I am back with a fresh plate of trending forensic-toxic delights and delicacies. This time 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 original illustrations sent in by numerous colleagues from all across the country.With this, the 17th edition, I am further transgressing traditional frontiers to venture deeper into untrammelled territories, and you are now looking at a spanking new edition with irresistibly compelling 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 feet up, sip some stimulating beverage, turn off your cell phone and other distracting devices, turn on some rock music in the background, and savour and devour both forensic medicine and toxicology to your heart's content!And like Oliver Twist, when you are done, ask for more! Rest assured, it will be dished out in the 18th edition!And continue emailing me your bouquets and brickbats on drvvpillay@gmail.com.