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Forensic Science & Autopsy Timeline

By sydquin101
  • Jan 1, 1248

    Chinese publish first forensic science book

    This publication was the first known record of medical knowledge being used to solve criminal cases.
  • Chemical testing is first used

    Chemical testing is first used

    In a murder trial, chemist James Marsh used chemicals testing to prove arsenic poisoning was a cause of death.
  • Hair is used in forensics

    Hair is used in forensics

    Victor Balthazard and Marcelle Lambert publish the first study on hair. First legal case ever involving hair also took place following this study.
  • The first police crime lab was built in Los Angeles, California

    The first police crime lab was built in Los Angeles, California

  • FBI crime lab created

    FBI crime lab created

  • First use of DNA to solve a crime

    First use of DNA to solve a crime

    Alec Jeffrey's identified a man who murdered two girls.

  • DNA used to prove innocence

    In the same case, Jeffrey used DNA to exonerate an innocent person

  • DNA evidence certified

    National Academy of Sciences announces DNA evidence is reliable.

  • DNA profiling time gets faster

    DNA profiling time speeds up from 6-8 weeks to between 1-2 days
  • Software developed for facial sketches

    Software developed for facial sketches

    Michigan State University makes a software that matches mug shots to facial sketches.