Neurotoxins-whether human-generated pollutants or natural products-have recently attracted growing scientific interest. In the Handbook of Neurotoxicology, Volumes I and II, many leading researchers and clinicians-all acknowledged experts-review in depth the status of research in key areas of current neurotoxicologic interest and examine the latest methodologies for in vivo assessment of a wide spectrum of agents exhibiting neurotoxicologic properties. This first volume of the Handbook focuses on the biological effects of human-made neurotoxins, as well as those of natural origin, which so often provide valuable therapeutics and research reagents. Topics range from anticholinesterase insecticides and pesticides that target ion channels, to such metals as mercury, lead, zinc, and to the polytypic byproducts of combustion and industrial manufacture. The natural toxins discussed include those of microbial origin (microbial, marine, clostridial, and botulilinal neurotoxins), as well as those of animal origin (snake, spider, and scorpion venoms). Volume II concentrates on the biological effects of human-made toxins on the developing nervous system, reviews the neuronal impact of drugs of abuse, and provides state-of-the-art methods for the evaluation of the biological effects of neurotoxicants by both imaging and neurobehavioral assessment. Up-to-date and timely, the Handbook of Neurotoxicology, Volumes I and II, not only affords today's biomedical and clinical investigators a full panoply of knowledge in all the critical areas of current neurotoxicologic interest, but also illuminates the latest methodologies for assessing the effects of a broad spectrum of significant neurotoxicological agents.