FORENSIC SCIENCE Introduction History w Ancient China 600

FORENSIC SCIENCE Introduction

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

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

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

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

w 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). w This is useful for analyzing very small substances, such as pollen, dust, etc.

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

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

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

Ballistics w In 1835 – the first bullet was traced to the gun that fired it w Bullets were then made from molds by gun owners. w 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Successes and Failures w Jack the Ripper

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

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