Many of our plants are poisonous but frequently we lack precise knowledge regarding their effects. This is especially so in the case of plants which produce human poisoning. The position is more satisfactory in regard to animal intoxications. In both groups, however, much remains to be done to improve our knowledge of their chemical composition and effects so that cases of plant poisoning in man and animal may be diagnosed and treated intelligently and effectually.
A more recent development is the increasing commercial exploitation of the medicinal plants, particularly as proprietary and secret remedies. We believe that anything which leads to a greater utilization of the natural products be encouraged. We hope that this book will assist such development and will lead to a critical examination of the claims made for any remedies which come on the market.
Out aim has been to give all the available information on the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and human and veterinary toxicology of the flora. It forms an amazing record though there are many lacunae. Of recent years there has been a marked increase in the output of research on the chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of these plants. We hope that the appearance of this book will give an impetus to such work and prove a stimulus to the great body of students to record cases of plant poisoning which come their way.
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