-
Period: Jan 1, 1201 to 1300
13th Century China
The first case ever recorded using forensic science. When someone was stabbed,
all of the knives in the village were collected. Flies were attracted to the traces of blood and
landed on only one of the knives, causing the suspect to confess. -
Mathieu Orfila, “Father of Forensic Toxicology"
Because he 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”.
Developed Anthropometry which uses body measurements to distinguish individuals. -
Henry Fauld
Uses fingerprints to eliminate an innocent burglary suspect. -
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Published his first Sherlock Holmes story, featured in four novels, and 56 short stories, popularized scientific crime-detection methods. -
Francis Galton
Published "Fingerprints".
Conducted the first study of fingerprints and their classification.
Gave proof of their uniqueness. -
Hans Gross
Wrote the first paper describing application of principles of science to the field of criminal investigation. Published "Criminal Investigation". -
Karl Landsteiner
Discovered ABO blood groups, then later received Nobel Prize. -
Albert S. Osborn
Published Questioned Documents. Developed the fundamental
principles of document examination. -
Edmond Locard
Edmond LocardIncorporated Gross’ principles within a workable crime lab; became the founder and director of the Institute of Criminalistics at the University of Lyons, France. -
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; but was first used to compare bullets to see if they were fired from the same weapon.
