Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Historical resume. 3. Classification and systemic position. 4. Methodology. 5. Bionomics and distribution. 6. External features. 7. Sexual dimorphism. 8. Integument. 9. The body cavity. 10. Endoskeleton. 11. The musculature. 12. Digestive system. 13. Respiratory system. 14. Circulatory system. 15. Urinogenital system. 16. Nervous system and sense organs. Summary.

"A monograph upon the morphology and bionomics of Common Rat Snake of India is a rare and unique contribution. It consists of minute study on external features, sexual, dimorphism; and anatomy, histology and physiology of all the systems of a snake.

As the death rate is very high by the bite of the poisonous snakes. Keeping this idea the author has included a separate chapter on deadly venomous snakes of India in which he has described identification of poisonous snakes, biting mechanism, identification of snake bite and treatment. Hence this publication will help to the common peoples.

This publication contains diagrams with simple abbreviations, microscopic photographs wherever necessary and references for the purpose of future researchers.

The Common Indian Rat Snake, Pyas Mucosus (Linn.) is one of the commonest snake both in the hills and the plains and is widely distributed throughout the whole of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indo-China. It has been recorded in the hills upto an elevation of 7000 feet, but it is mainly an inhabitant of the plains, frequenting the open country, often, in the vicinity of human habitations." (jacket)