History of Forensics Science

Events

Carl W. Scheele

1775

devised a test for detecting Arsenic in corpses
(the inheritance powder)

Microscopes

1801

(allowed for the discovery of more physical
evidence)
1828 Polarizing microscope invented
1839 Frst microscopic detection of sperm

Valentin Ross (German)

1806

discovered more precise
method for detecting small amounts of Arsenic

Mathieu Orilla

1814

Father of Forensic Toxicology
published article on detection of poisons and
effects

1st use of toxicology evidence in criminal trial

1839

Photographs

1850 - 1860

(allowed more accurate recording)

1st presumptive test for blood

1863

Alphonse Bertillon (French) introduced the Bertillon's system (aka Anthropometry)

1879

a system for identifying people by their physical appearance

Sherlock Holmes

1887 - 1893

influence can be compared to that of the modern CSI shows

"Criminal Investigation" by Hans Gross

1893

the 1st book of criminal investigation using forensic science

Walter McCrone (father of Modern Microscopy)

1900

ABO blood typing discovered by Karl Landsteiner

1901

Will West Case

1903

Anthropometry replaced by fingerprinting

"Questioned Documents" published by Albert Osborn

1910

Locard's Exchange Principle by Edmond Locard

1913

When 2 objects come into contact with each other, a cross‑
transfer of materials occurs that can connect a criminal
suspect to the victim or the crime scene

Los Angeles PD Crime Lab

1923

The first in the USA

FBI Forensic Science Research & Training Center opens

1981