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250 BCE
The First Lie Detector Test
Erasistratus, an ancient Greek physician, created the first lie detector test in 250. He noted that his patients pulse rate went up when they lied. -
44 BCE
Julius Caesar's Death
In 44 B.C. a Roman doctor examined Julius Caesar's body and discovered that out of the 23 of his stab wounds that he had, only one of them was fatal, and was the cause of death. -
1100
Quintilian
Roman attorney, Quintilian, proved that blood covered palm prints were left at a crime scene to frame a blind man for the murder of his mother in 1100. -
1248
Hsi Duan Yu
"Hsi Duan Yu" is the first book to contain recorded documentation about solving crime. It included information about how to distinguish drowning from strangulation. -
Toxicology
In 1813, Mathieu Bonaventure Orfila, a toxicologist published the book "Traite des Poisions". Which was used to help solve murders where poison was suspected. -
Bullet Comparisons
By the mid 1800's, the investigators at Scotland Yard were able to begin bullet comparisons. At this time investigators were also able to use tissue samples, that identified arsenic in murders. -
Period: to
Body Temperature, TOD, Fingerprinting, and DNA
From the late 1800's to the early 1900's there were many forensic science advancements that included, body temperature to help determine time of death, and fingerprinting started being used for identification. Early DNA analysis also began at this time. -
Uhlenhuth Test
The Uhlenhuth test invented by, Paul Uhlenhuth, in 1901 could distinguish himan blood from animal blood. This was a huge breakthrough in forensic science. -
Fingerprinting
In 1905 the New York City Police Department first introduced the fingerprinting of criminals to the United State. -
Institut de Police Scientifique
In 1909, Archibald Reiss, founded the first school of forensic science in the world. This school was located in Switzerland. -
Crime Lab
In 1910, Dr. Edmond Locard, who was known as the "Sherlock Holmes of France", believed that "every contact leaves a trace". He founded the first crime laboratory in the world, which was located in two attic rooms. -
Portable Polygraph
The portable polygraph machine was invented in 1921. -
Gunshot Residue
Tests to detect gunshot residue were found in 1933. -
DNA
DNA analysis was first used in 1984, and was developed by, Sir Alec Jefferys. This was first used in a double murder mystery in a small England town. With the help of DNA there were able to find the murderer. -
21st Century
The 21st century has brought many advancements in forensic science. They now use laser scanners, 3D photogrammetry, and drones to recreate crime scenes. These new advancements can get measurements down to centimeters, which really helps in murder cases.
