Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

5th ed. — Elsevier, 2011. — 612 p.The 5th edition of Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Dr. Vij has summoned the resources of science from all quarters. Division of contents into segments, viz., (i) Of the Basics, (ii) Of the Dying and the Death, (iii) Of the Injured and the Injuries, (iv) Clinical Forensic Medicine, (v) Legal and Ethical Aspects of Medical Practice, (vi) Forensic Toxicology, and placement of illustrations, tables, flowcharts, etc. speak volumes of his experience and expertise spreading over about three decades. Chapters on brain-stem death vis-à-vis organ donation; sudden and unexpected deaths; custody related torture and/or death; deaths associated with surgery, anaesthesia and blood transfusion; medicolegal examination of the living; complications of trauma (was wounding responsible for death?); medical negligence; informed consent and refusal; and medicolegal aspects of immuno-deficiency syndrome deserve extreme applause. Exceptional features of this ensuing edition have been the presentation of cases clinching to the text and updation of information.