How do we know which snakes are dangerous? This seemingly simple question caused constant concern for the white settlers who colonised Australia after 1788. Facing a multitude of serpents in the bush, their fields and their homes, colonists wanted to know which were the harmful species and what to do when bitten. But who could provide this expertise? Liberally illustrated with period images, Venomous Encounters argues that much of the knowledge about which snakes were deadly was created by observing snakebite in domesticated creatures, from dogs to cattle. Originally accidental, by the middle of the nineteenth century this process became deliberate. Doctors, naturalists and amateur antidote sellers all caused snakes to bite familiar creatures in order to demonstrate the effects of venom - and the often erratic impact of 'cures'. In exploring this culture of colonial vivisection, Venomous Encounters asks fundamental questions about human-animal relationships and the nature of modern medicine.

A thrilling tale of encounters with nature’s masters of biochemistry From the coasts of Indonesia to the rainforests of Peru, venomous animals are everywhere—and often lurking out of sight. Humans have feared them for centuries, long considering them the assassins and pariahs of the natural world. Now, in Venomous, the biologist Christie Wilcox investigates and illuminates the animals of our nightmares, arguing that they hold the keys to a deeper understanding of evolution, adaptation, and immunity. She reveals just how venoms function and what they do to the human body. With Wilcox as our guide, we encounter a jellyfish with tentacles covered in stinging cells that can kill humans in minutes; a two-inch caterpillar with toxic bristles that trigger hemorrhaging; and a stunning blue-ringed octopus capable of inducing total paralysis. How do these animals go about their deadly work? How did they develop such intricate, potent toxins? Wilcox takes us around the world and down to the cellular level to find out. Throughout her journey, Wilcox meets the intrepid scientists who risk their lives studying these lethal beasts, as well as “self-immunizers” who deliberately expose themselves to snakebites. Along the way, she puts her own life on the line, narrowly avoiding being envenomated herself. Drawing on her own research, Wilcox explains how venom scientists are untangling the mechanisms of some of our most devastating diseases, and reports on pharmacologists who are already exploiting venoms to produce lifesaving drugs. We discover that venomous creatures are in fact keystone species that play crucial roles in their ecosystems and ours—and for this alone, they ought to be protected and appreciated. Thrilling and surprising at every turn, Venomous will change everything you thought you knew about the planet’s most dangerous animals.

The second installment in the Dangerous Encounters series features dozens of new and exciting real-life animal attacks. Mountain lions, alligators, killer sharks, stampeding elephants, and, of course, deadly cobras are just a few of the predators on the prowl in this gripping collection. Photo-realistic illustrations enhance the text throughout, and a new sidebar feature provides educational information on the animals.

From New York Times Bestselling Author Elisabeth Naughton, a dangerous story in her Aegis Series One chance encounter… He’s been watching her—from the slopes, in the restaurant—and now he’s here, in the dimly lit bar of the swanky Vail resort, pretending not to notice her from across the crowded room. Songwriter Grace Ryder has never liked the spotlight, but her skin tingles whenever his mysteriously sexy gaze drifts her way. His muscular body may be built for danger, but those tempting lips scream sweet relief. Only one night will prove whether he’s safety or sin. …could just get her killed. Aegis operative Brian Walker’s orders are clear: observe, but don’t touch. Grace Ryder is off limits in every way possible. Things change, though, the moment the leggy brunette makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Desire leads to seduction and one night that will test both Brian’s personal and professional limits. And though his cravings win out, the cost could be more than he’s ready to accept. Because lurking in the shadows, someone's waiting for the moment to strike, and if Brian’s not careful, his obsession for a woman he never should have touched could get them both killed. **Note: This book was previously published as Sinful Surrender by Elisabeth Naughton

A full-color guide to the natural history of venomous snakes. Information on dealing with venomous snakes in the wild. Includes 19 North American species accounts.

Presents a radically new view of the role of science and scientific methodology in the colonies. It explores the role of snakes, snakebite and snake venom in the emerging science of nineteenth-century Australia and India, the neglected significance of inter-colony exchanges and conflicts and the importance of vivisection to science.

Describes dangerous mammals, reptiles, spiders, insects, flowers, shrubs, trees, and mushrooms.