2.2B History of Forensic Science, Part Two

Summary

This lecture delves into the history of forensic science from the 1700s onwards, highlighting key contributors such as Carl Wilhelm Scheele, who developed an arsenic detection test, and Valentin Ross, who improved arsenic detection methods. It also covers the introduction of the polarized light microscope by William Nicol, the first microscopic sperm detection by Alfred Swaine Taylor, and the development of the presumptive blood test in 1863. The lecture emphasizes the significance of figures like Alphonse Bertillon, who introduced anthropometry, and Hans Gross, who published a foundational textbook on forensic science. It also touches on the establishment of crime labs, including the first in the United States in 1923 and the FBI's forensic science research and training center in 1981.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ Forensic science has evolved from early practices to a formalized field with significant scientific contributions starting from the 1700s.
• 🧪 Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1775 developed the first known test for arsenic, a major advancement in detecting poison in forensic investigations.
• 🔍 In 1786, John Toms was the first person convicted using physical evidence matching, specifically paper wadding from a gun.
• 🎓 Valentin Ross in 1806 improved arsenic detection methods, enhancing the precision of forensic analysis.
• 🌐 Matthew Orfila in 1814 is recognized as the father of forensic toxicology, legitimizing the field through his influential work.
• 🔬 William Nicol's invention of the polarized light microscope in 1828 revolutionized the examination of microscopic evidence.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Auguste Ambroise Tardieu in 1839 formulated the first procedures for microscopic sperm detection, a significant step in biological evidence analysis.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 James Marsh in 1836 was the first to testify using toxicological evidence in a court case, marking the integration of science into legal proceedings.
• 🩸 The development of the presumptive blood test in 1863 allowed for the identification of blood, a crucial tool in forensic science.
• 📏 Alphonse Bertillon introduced the Bertillon system in 1879, an early method of identification based on body measurements, which later led to the adoption of fingerprinting.
• 📚 Hans Grosse's 1893 publication, 'Criminal Investigation,' established a comprehensive textbook on forensic science and criminalistics.

Q & A

Who is considered the first major contributor to forensic science mentioned in the lecture?

Carl Wilhelm Scheele is mentioned as the first major contributor to forensic science. He was a German chemist who developed the first known test for arsenic in 1775.

What was the significance of John Tom's case in the history of forensic science?

John Tom's case is significant because he was one of the first people convicted using physical matching of evidence, specifically the paper wadding used in a gun, which matched the paper found in his pocket at the time of the crime.

What did Valentin Ross discover that improved the detection of arsenic?

Valentin Ross, a German chemist in 1806, discovered a more precise method for detecting small amounts of arsenic, enhancing the accuracy of forensic analysis.

Who is known as the father of forensic toxicology?

Matthew Orfila is recognized as the father of forensic toxicology. He wrote one of the most important works on toxicology, making it a legitimate science.

What was William Nichol's contribution to forensic science?

William Nichol invented the polarized light microscope in 1828, which is still used today, albeit in a more updated form, to examine microscopic evidence.

What was the first procedure for microscopic sperm detection developed by Alfred Swaine Taylor?

Alfred Swaine Taylor formulated the first procedures for microscopic sperm detection, allowing for the examination of biological evidence in cases such as rape.

What was the importance of James Marsh's testimony in 1839?

James Marsh was the first person to testify using toxicological evidence in a case, marking the merging of science and law, which is a fundamental aspect of forensic science.

What was the significance of the presumptive blood test developed in 1863?

The presumptive blood test developed in 1863 was significant because it allowed for the determination of whether a substance was blood, advancing the field of forensic science.

What did Alphonse Bertillon introduce with his anthropometry system?

Alphonse Bertillon introduced the anthropometry system, which was the first widely used identification program based on a series of unique body measurements.

What case led to the decline of anthropometry and the rise of fingerprint identification?

The case of William West and Will West in the Kansas prison system led to the decline of anthropometry. Despite having nearly identical physical appearances and measurements, they were two different individuals, which highlighted the limitations of the system and led to the adoption of fingerprint identification.

What was Hans Gross's contribution to forensic science?

Hans Gross, an Austrian prosecutor and judge, published a book called 'Criminal Investigation' in 1893, which was the first comprehensive textbook on forensic science and criminalistics, covering various scientific disciplines including fingerprints.