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Skull Measurements
Scientists started using skull measurements to identify the deceased. This was major to forensic science because it was the start of identifying the dead. This opened up doors for new tests, and studies. -
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Forensic Science History
Throughout these years crucial discovers were made in the forensic science field, that changed forensics forever. -
Testing for Toxins
Methods of testing for toxins in human tissue were created. This was crucial because it allowed scientists to help determine death by poison. This also allows scientists to rule out causes of death. -
Bullet, Weapon, Murder
Henry Goddard studied a bullet, and was able to match it to the gun used in the murder. Forensic scientists today, study bullets to match the murder weapon. Although this way was not as precise as it is today, this study helped scientists determine new technology and methods. -
Arson Lead
James Marsh invented a chemical test to detect arson. Arson investigators still test chemicals after a fire. This is because not many things are left from a fire, however, often times chemicals will prove to be arson. -
The Start of Fingerprints
Sir William Herschel proved that a fingerprint was different from person to person, and that the print did not change with age. This was important because it cleared a lot of questions up dealing with fingerprints. It also lead the way for newer systems, such as the Henry Classification System. -
Henry Classification
Sir Edward Henry established his own fingerprint system. This later was known as the Henry Classification Standard. The Henry Classification became the standard, and used world wide. This is important because a universal tool in science helps scientists communicate. This is also a very effective fingerprint system, which often times leads investigators to convicting a criminal. -
Blood Spatter
Dr. John Glaister first explained and analyzed the six patterns of blood spatter classifications. This was huge for forensics, because it allowed scientists to help determine the type of death. Whether it be a stabbing, or a shooting, etc. -
FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation was founded. The FBI is a huge part of forensics today. They gather information to assist in solving, and stopping crimes. They often investigate cases dealing with threats. -
Advance in France
French man, Edmond Locard created the first police crime laboratory. Edmond is also known as "Father of the Crime Lab".This allowed more research to be done, and help solve investigations. -
Comparison Microscope
Calvin Goddard invented the comparison microscope to match a bullet, with a shell. This allows scientist, to determine the type of weapon used. Forensic experts use this for murders dealing with guns, everyday. -
Labs hit America
LA Police Chief, August Vollmer, established the first American police crime laboratory. This allowed America to also start investigations at larger level. It allows police to further their investigations. -
Analyzing Blood Spatter
Balthazard analyzed blood spatter pattern. This analysis furthered the education on blood spatter. This study helped advance in the blood spatter field. -
DNA
DNA was discovered in 1953. DNA is a major part of investigations. Having DNA samples allows criminals to be charged, or keep the innocent out of prison. DNA is a very valuable source of evidence when it comes to crime cases. Without DNA, many crimes would not be solved. However, it was not until 1980 used for forensics. -
Gunshot Residue
The Aerospace Corporation located in California, created a way to detect gun shot residue. This is crucial to forensics because it allows them to determine how a person was murdered, and from how far away the murder took place. For example the amount of gun shot residue from a suicide is different from that of a shooting three feet away. -
US Court of Appeals
The US Court of Appeals helped advance in convicting criminals, by declaring handwriting analysis admissible in a court. Handwriting analysis helps convict criminals for several reasons. Many people who commit fraud can be identified by their handwriting. Also, in a few cases murders had mistakenly forgot a piece of paper, or once wrote a letter to their victim. This allows them to match the handwriting, and identify the killer.
