1. FORENSIC SCIENCE
Introduction

2. 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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

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

19. Successes and Failures
Jack the Ripper

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

22. 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