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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.
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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.
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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.
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"Hsi Duan Yu" is the first book to contain recorded documentation about solving crime. It included information about how to distinguish drowning from strangulation.
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In 1813, Mathieu Bonaventure Orfila, a toxicologist published the book "Traite des Poisions". Which was used to help solve murders where poison was suspected.
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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.
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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.
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The Uhlenhuth test invented by, Paul Uhlenhuth, in 1901 could distinguish himan blood from animal blood. This was a huge breakthrough in forensic science.
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In 1905 the New York City Police Department first introduced the fingerprinting of criminals to the United State.
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In 1909, Archibald Reiss, founded the first school of forensic science in the world. This school was located in Switzerland.
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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.
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The portable polygraph machine was invented in 1921.
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Tests to detect gunshot residue were found in 1933.
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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.
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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.
