Abstract
Reviewed by: Gurkiran Johal and Nikolas P. Lemos, Cameron Forensic Medical Sciences, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK
For decades, Professor Peter Vanezis has been respected by many as a forensic pathologist and professor. He has participated in various high-profile cases: the death of Princess Diana, the investigation of the Railway Killers, the death of Zviad Gamsakhurdia and the identification of victims of the Kings Cross fire. He has held countless standings in academia and served on medical examination boards while also partaking in humanitarian work. Within the academic sector, he routinely inculcates students of different levels. Vanezis has published much of his work and has edited two textbooks, including Essential Forensic Medicine. The preface of this textbook states that the text is particularly useful for pupils wishing to expand their knowledge of forensic medicine. As such, this textbook will be reviewed with a student-based outlook.
The textbook is an informative read for any individual wanting to delve into the comprehensive matter of forensic medical sciences. If anyone is enthralled by scene examination, injury interpretation, human identification, mental behaviours, drug interaction or the British legal system, the curious mind will be satisfied with the contents of this textbook. Furthermore, the reader will be enlightened by the vast world of forensic medicine and would confidently grasp the general information relating to each medico-legal topic.
Vanezis methodically segregates and structures the topics in a coherent manner. In the first section, we are introduced to the criminal justice, medico-legal and court systems while understanding the role that forensic medical professionals play within these three sectors. Further, Vanezis clarifies the relationship between the different types of witnesses, how to approach a death in-situ and within the autopsy room and the standard procedures involved in human tissue handling. Following the first section, we have a comprehensive examination of the various types of bodily findings that may arise when correctly executing a medico-legal autopsy. Lastly, students embark on a journey to understand and examine the specialised forensic medical disciplines and the circumstances under which the forensic medical practitioner may come into contact with them. These include the duty of the forensic psychiatrist, examination of detainees, maternal death and the investigation of cases involving substance use disorders.
In an astute fashion, each chapter seamlessly leads to the next. The first section of the book serves as an introduction to the forensic medical practitioner. What follows is a journey through the multiple injuries we may see within the profession. Finally, we explore the specialised fields that may complementarily supplement the career of the forensic medical practitioner. Each chapter is segregated into subheadings. The chronological order and organisation of each subheading follows a logical structure. Each chapter ends with a reference list, allowing for continued reading, which the keen reader will appreciate. Vanezis writes in a concise, articulate and readable fashion; his unbiased writings are founded on a basis of scientific research. He begins each chapter by supplying the foundational background information and specific circumstances of the topic being discussed, followed by a myriad of examples.
Vanezis provides a much-needed review of forensic medical theory and practice. However, some readers may have found it more helpful if the ‘Diagnosing Death and Changes after Death’ chapter came earlier in the sequence of chapters, such that the students are cognisant of how cessation of life is determined before examining several causes of death. Certain students who are new to the topic of forensic medicine may have found a glossary at the beginning of each chapter a useful learning aid, as well. Although the collection of illustrations seems to supplement the text adequately, there is always the opportunity to include more, such that avid readers amplify their learning. Moreover, it would have been enlightening if the author had included independent sections on histopathology and the importance of post-mortem chemistry. Many of the determinations of cause and manner of death are reliant upon microscopic histopathological examination and analysis of vitreous electrolyte chemistry. Understanding the concentration-related disparities of vitreous urea nitrogen (VUN), glucose and other electrolytes facilitates elucidating on the totality of a death.
The author has succeeded in the formulation of a textbook which reflects his tremendous years of experience, brilliance and expertise in relation to the topics presented. We can confidently state that this book is suitable for the bookshelves of forensic medical practitioners as well as within the libraries of forensic medical institutions. This book complements other books in the field of forensic medical sciences and makes knowledge accessible in a simplified, organised and methodical way, making Essential Forensic Medicine by Professor Peter Vanezis an essential read for all.
