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44 BCE
The First Autopsy
The earliest known autopsy is believed to have been performed on Julius Caesar in 44 BC after his assassination. The purpose of this autopsy was to determine the cause of death, which was found to be a fatal stab wound to the aorta. (Campbell and Robertson) -
Toxicology in Forensic Science
In forensic science, toxicology involves analyzing biological samples (like blood, urine, and tissue) to identify and quantify drugs, alcohol, and other potentially toxic substances, aiding in criminal investigations and determining the cause of death. Forensic toxicology is considered to have been established in the early 19th century. (National Institute of Justice) -
Ballistic Analysis
Forensic ballistics, or, firearm examination , existed as early as 1835. In England, police were able to match the bullet in a victim's body with a bullet mold made by a suspect. Ballistics is the science of projectile motion, encompassing internal (within the firearm), external (in flight), and terminal (impact) effects. (Teja) -
Hair and Fiber Analysis
The use of hair and fiber analysis in forensic investigations gained prominence in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with the FBI embracing the technique after World War II. Hair and fiber analysis involves examining microscopic evidence, like hair and fibers, to establish connections between individuals, objects, or crime scenes. (Ebersole) -
The Creation of the First Crime Lab
The first crime lab was created in 1910 by Edmond Locard in Lyon France. The helped the revolution of forensic analysis. (University) -
Phenotyping
Phenotyping was created in 1911 by Wilhelm Johannsen. Phenotyping is the process of studying and identifying an organism's observable characteristics (phenotype) which are determined by the interaction of its genotype and environment. (Taylor and Lewontin) -
The Idea of Trace Evidence
The recognition and formalization of trace evidence as a significant tool in criminal investigations can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly with the work of Edmond Locard and his Exchange Principle in the 1910s.This principle states that a crime cannot be committed without leaving behind evidence. (“Trace Evidence: Principles”) -
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology began in the 1940’s. It is a specialized field of physical anthropology that applies skeletal analysis and archaeological techniques to aid in legal investigations particularly in identifying human remains and determining cause of death. (“Forensic Anthropology | History Detectives | PBS”) -
Digital Forensics
Digital forensics was invented in the 1970’s. This came from the rise of personal computers and the need for law enforcement to investigate computer related crimes (Champlain College Online) -
DNA Profiling
DNA profiling was invented in 1984. It was discovered by Sir Alec Jeffry’s. DNA profiling was first used in forensic science in 1986 when police in the UK requested Dr. Alec J. Jeffreys, of University of Leicester, to verify a suspect’s confession that he was responsible for two rape-murders. Tests proved that the suspect had not committed the crimes. (National Library of Medicine)