Forensics Science Timeline

Microscope

1590

The microscope is an optical instrument that magnifies small objects, allowing them to be seen in detail. Invented by Zacharias Janssen in 1590, it became essential in forensic science for examining trace evidence such as hair, fibers, and blood samples. Citation: "History of Microscopy." Microscopy Society of America, https://www.microscopy.org/education/ask_a_scientist/microscopy.cfm.

Mathieu Orfila

1814

Known as the father of forensic toxicology, Mathieu Orfila was a pioneer in detecting poisons in cases of suspicious deaths. His 1814 work Traité des Poisons was instrumental in establishing toxicology as a crucial tool in criminal investigations. Citation: Orfila, Mathieu. Traité des Poisons. 2nd ed., Didot, 1818.

Forensic Toxicology

1818

Forensic toxicology involves the study of poisons and the effect they have on the human body, especially in cases of suspicious death. Mathieu Orfila's work in 1814 established toxicology as a fundamental field within forensic science, enabling the detection of poisons like arsenic in criminal cases. Citation: Orfila, Mathieu. Traité des Poisons. 2nd ed., Didot, 1818.

Fingerprints

1892

Fingerprint analysis involves identifying individuals based on the unique patterns of ridges on their fingers. In 1892, Francis Galton published Finger Prints, formalizing the method of using fingerprints for criminal investigations due to their uniqueness and permanence. Citation: Galton, Francis. Finger Prints. Macmillan and Co., 1892.

Francis Galton

1892

Francis Galton was an English scientist who pioneered fingerprint analysis as a means of identifying individuals. In 1892, he published Finger Prints, establishing fingerprints as a reliable method for personal identification in criminal investigations. Citation: Galton, Francis. Finger Prints. Macmillan and Co., 1892.

Edmond Locard

1910

Edmond Locard, often referred to as the Sherlock Holmes of France, is famous for Locard's Exchange Principle, which states that every contact leaves a trace. In 1910, he founded the first forensic laboratory in Lyon, France, significantly advancing the field of forensic science. Citation: Locard, Edmond. "Locard's Exchange Principle." Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, 1910.

Lie Detector

1921

A lie detector, or polygraph, measures physiological changes like heart rate and perspiration to detect deception. John A. Larson invented the polygraph machine in 1921, and it has since become widely used in criminal investigations despite some controversy about its accuracy. Citation: "The History of the Polygraph Machine." National Polygraph Association, https://www.polygraph.org/history-polygraph.

Ballistics

1925

Ballistics is the study of the dynamics of projectiles, including bullets and firearms. In 1925, Calvin Goddard’s introduction of the comparison microscope for ballistics analysis made it possible to match bullets and shell casings to specific firearms, a key development in criminal investigations involving guns. Citation: Goddard, Calvin. "The Forensic Ballistics Comparison Microscope." Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, vol. 16, 1925, pp. 97-107.

Automated Fingerprint Identification System

1977

AFIS is a computerized system that stores and compares fingerprints to match suspects to crime scenes. Launched in 1977, AFIS drastically improved the speed and efficiency of fingerprint identification, allowing law enforcement to compare prints in a matter of minutes. Citation: "Automated Fingerprint Identification System." National Institute of Justice, 13 Sept. 2017, https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/automated-fingerprint-identification-systems-afis.

DNA Profiling

1985

DNA profiling is a technique that identifies individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. Developed by Alec Jeffreys in 1985, it revolutionized forensic science, becoming crucial for solving crimes, identifying missing persons, and exonerating innocent individuals. Citation: Jeffreys, Alec. "Genetic Fingerprinting." Nature, vol. 314, 1985, pp. 67-73.

Alec Jeffreys

1985

Alec Jeffreys is a British geneticist who developed the technique of DNA fingerprinting, forever changing forensic science. His 1985 discovery provided a revolutionary method for identifying individuals based on their unique DNA, making it a vital tool in criminal justice. Citation: Jeffreys, Alec. "Genetic Fingerprinting." Nature, vol. 314, 1985, pp. 67-73.

Facial Recognition

1999

Facial recognition software uses algorithms to identify or verify individuals by analyzing their facial features. First gaining attention at the 2000 Super Bowl, this technology has since become a key tool in law enforcement, despite ongoing concerns about privacy and accuracy. Citation: "History of Facial Recognition." Electronic Frontier Foundation, https://www.eff.org/pages/face-recognition.