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History of Forensics Timeline
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Mathieu Orfila
He is often called the "Father of Toxicology." He was the first great 19th century exponent of forensic medicine. He made studies of asphyxiation, the decomposition of bodies, and exhumation. He is also credited as one of the first people to use a microscope to assess blood and semen stains. Also worked to improve public health systems and medical training. -
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
He is the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories. He is known for his use of methods such as fingerprints, serology, ciphers, trace evidence, and footprints long before they used by police forces. -
Alphonse Bertillon
The inventor of the first scientific method of identifying criminals. He devised a system of identification of criminals which relies on 11 bodily measurements and the color of the eyes, hair, and skin. -
Edmond Locard
The pioneer in forensic science who became known as the "Sherlock Holmes of France. He formulated the basic principle of forensic science. -
Albert Osborn
First American to utilize the scientific method in the examination of questioned documents. -
Leone Lattes
Italian scientist who devised a procedure by which dried blood stains could be restored and grouped in the blood type categories A, B, AB, O. Used saline solution to restore dried blood into its liquid form. -
Calvin Goddard
Forensic Ballistics -
Francis Galton
He established a fingerprint classification system that is still in use today. He studied identical twins, and worked on the first intelligence test in his exploration of the roles of "nature and nurture."
