In this basic book the subject is developed step by step. Various advances scattered throughout the literature are included at appropriate places in the text. The question and answer format in relation to certain topics is a specially welcome feature. It provides a simple means of professional self-assessment it will help encourage logical thinking and it will most certainly help to prepare for examinations and for courtroom appearances. The text contains all that medical students and forensic nurses are expected to know. It will also assist postgraduate students in revision because it compiles so much in a single volume that it will save them from having to search through many unwieldy texts to locate necessary information. Likewise medical practitioners nurses working in sensitive areas advanced providers of first aid and law. About the Author Dr. C.K.Parikh the original author whose authority in the forensic field is unchallengeable. He was accorded Corresponding Membership by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 1970 an honor accorded only to 65 scientists in the world then. He is the recipient of the Suprobha Deb Memorial Silver Medal from Calcutta University India being the only forensic physician to receive this award. He is also the recipient of the Finish international award (Honorary Memorial Medal and the Honorary Diploma) from the University of Turku Finland for his outstanding international contributions in the forensic field. He was invited by the Parliamentary Committee (Government of India) to discuss the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1987 which replaced the Indian Lunacy Act. He has been a Visiting Professor in several Universities in India and abroad and has participated in as well as chaired a number of international forensic conferences. His textbook has been accepted as a Legal Classic by the Government of India and is translated and published in the national language Hindi by Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan Ministry of Law Jusfice and Company Affairs Government of India for the benefit of the courts and the public in the Hindi speaking regions which constitute a sizeable chunk of India. Pirated copies of his textbook have appeared in Pakistan and elsewhere.