FORENSIC SCIENCE Introduction

History Ancient China (600 AD) Ti Jen Chieh Used logic and evidence to solve crimes Studied crime scenes and physical evidence, interviewed witnesses and suspects

The Microscope Between the 16th and 18th centuries, technology began to develop that would help solve crimes The microscope was one of the first technologies used

In 1590, Jansen invented the first microscope Was only 10x magnification, but it allowed for a more detailed study of fingerprints.

Now, light compound microscopes can magnify up to 2000x and are used to compare bullets, fibers, and analyze body tissues.

Electron microscopes can now magnify up to one million times, but can only view images in black and white, and objects must be in a vacuum (dead). This is useful for analyzing very small substances, such as pollen, dust, etc.

Photography Used for ‘mug shots’ to help witnesses identify criminals

Also used to preserve the layout of the crime scene and body before investigators disturb the area New digital imaging techniques allow for comparison between mug shots for identification

Toxicology In 1814 Matthiew Orfila was called the ‘Father of Toxicology’ when he published a book that classified the common poisons used by criminals In 1836, Robert Marsh found a definitive test for arsenic poisoning – the first toxicology test used in forensics

Ballistics In 1835 – the first bullet was traced to the gun that fired it Bullets were then made from molds by gun owners. In this case, the butler was shot and the bullet was proven to have come from his own gun (he shot himself to avoid suspicion in a robbery)

Now, bullets and guns are mass produced Rifling grooves from gun barrels are used to match bullets – with a comparison microscope

Phrenology In 1796, Franz Josef Gall proposed that the bumps on a person’s head could be used to predict criminality Phrenology

Phrenology Eventually proved to be totally unreliable (Gall also thought that traits like domestic tendencies, thrift, love of food or drink could also be predicted)

Other Early Identification Techniques In 1876, Lombroso postulated that criminals have certain body features Included wide jaws, high cheekbones, long arms, large ears(square), and a narrow field of vision This was also proven to be unreliable Lombroso clip

The first lie detector was also primitive Consisted of a plastic glove sealed at wrist Air inflated the glove and changes in the air pressure in the glove were supposed to indicate a lie (more blood flow to hand) Proved completely unreliable

In 1879, Alphonse Bertillon proposed a system of measurements that would help to identify criminals 12 measurements, including circumference of the head, length of the ears, etc.

This was useful in causing some criminals to confess Was discredited when it failed to identify the thief of the Mona Lisa

Successes and Failures Jack the Ripper

Successes and Failures d’Autremont Brothers D'autremont train robbery

Summary of Course Topics Crime Scene Forensic Anthropology (bones and teeth) Blood and Body Fluids Toxicology (poisons, drugs and chemicals) Weapons (ballistics and other instruments) Fire and Explosives Document, Fiber, Soil and Hair Analysis Fingerprints DNA fingerprints