In Volume 1 of this series, attention was focused on neuropoisons of animal origin. In the present volume, attention has been shifted to poisons of plant origin. In both cases, we have attempted to identify those poisons for which there is a large measure of clinical or research interest. Our efforts in compiling the series have been aided by three groups of individuals. First, we are grateful to the investigators who contributed chapters. Their labors are the substance of this two-volume work. Second, we are pleased to acknowledge the support of Mr. Seymour Weingarten and Plenum Press in our project. And third, we have been immeasurably aided by our assistants, Mrs. Ruby Hough in New York City and Mrs. Helena Walsh in Canberra. To all these persons, we are indebted. Dr. Lance L. Simpson Dr. David R. Curtis New York City Canberra vii Contents Chapter 1 Reserpine 1 by Theodore A. Slot kin I. Introduction .......................................... .

Poisons are topics of multidisciplinary concern. The clinician and the pathologist are sensitive to instances of human poisoning. The laboratory researcher, whether pharmacologist, physiologist, or biochemist, is oriented toward molecular modes of poison action. Both clinician and researcher are eager to learn of poisons that can be used as therapeutic agents or methodological tools. This volume is an attempt to underscore the multidisciplinary charac ter of neuropoisons. Six poisons of animal origin which are receiving considerable clinical and research attention are discussed. Each poison is presented first as a clinical entity, then as a topic of investigative research, and finally as an agent useful to the study of nerve function. Because no single volume on neuropoisons can be exhaustive, an attempt at balance is offered as compensation. Two snake venoms, two marine poisons, and two bacterial toxins are presented in detail. In the sequel to this volume, attention will be focused on representative neuro poisons of plant origin."