-
1200
13th Century China
The first case ever recorded using forensics science. After someone being stabbed, all village knives were collected. Files were attracted to traces of the blood on knife. This led the suspect to confess. -
Mathieu Orfila
He is considered to be the "Father of Forensics Toxicology." He was a chemist who published first scientific paper on the detection of poisons and their effects on animals. -
William Herschel
Used thumbprints on documents to identify workers in India. -
Alphonse Bertillon
"Father of Criminal Identification." He developed Anthropometry which uses body measurements to distinguish individuals. -
Henry Fauld
Uses fingerprints to eliminate an innocent burglary suspect. -
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Published hid first Sherlock Holmes story; considered to be the first "C.S.I.", featured in four novels and 56 short stories, popularized scientific crime-detection methods. -
Francis Galton
Published "Finger Prints". Conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints and their classification. Gave proof of their uniqueness. -
Hans Gross
Wrote the first paper describing the application of scientific principles to the field of criminal investigation. Published "Criminal Investigation". -
Karl Landsteiner
Discovered the ABO blood groups, later received Nobel Prize. -
Edmond Locard
Incorporated Gross' principles within a workable crime lab; became the founder and director of the Institution or Criminalistics at University of Lyons, France. -
Albert S. Osborn
Published "Questioned Documents". Developed the fundamental principles of document examination. -
Leone Lattes
Developed a method for determining blood type from dried blood. -
August Vollmer
Established the First Crime Lab in United States, located in Los Angeles. -
Calvin Goddard
Developed a comparison microscope; first used to compare bullets to see if fired from same weapon.
