History of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

Study Notes

Lucas introduced gas chromatography in Canada in 1960 for identifying petroleum products, noting limitations in gasoline brand identity.
In 1976, Zoro and Hadley in the UK evaluated chromatograph-mass spectrometry for forensic applications.
The first trained medical examiner in New York City was appointed in 1918; Charles Norris was the chief medical examiner, and Alexander Gettler was a chemist who transformed crime detection methods in America.

Poisons were used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for murder and executions; Socrates was notably condemned to death via hemlock.
In 82 B.C.E., Ancient Rome enacted laws against poisoning.
Arsenic was a common poison, dubbed "inheritance powder" in early France.
The Blandy trial in 1752 marked the first chemical test for poison.
The Marsh test, created in 1836, was the first reliable method to demonstrate arsenic in a victim's body.

Forensic science resolves mysteries of deaths, whether natural or criminal.
Involves examination of evidence (e.g., blood, hair) at crime scenes linking to perpetrators.
Aims to identify suspects and reconstruct crime timelines.

Physical Science Unit: Analyzes drugs, glass, paint, explosives, and soil.
Biology Unit: Studies bloodstains, body fluids, hair, fibers, and botanical materials.
Firearms Unit: Examines firearms, bullets, cartridge cases, and ammunition.
Document Examination Unit: Analyzes handwriting, typewriting, and document authenticity.
Photography Unit: Prepares photographic evidence using specialized techniques.
Toxicology Unit: Examines fluids and organs for drugs and poisons.
Latent Fingerprint Unit: Processes evidence for latent fingerprints.
Polygraph Unit: Utilizes interrogation techniques in investigations.
Voiceprint Analysis Unit: Analyzes recordings using sound spectrographs.
Evidence Collection Unit: Deploys trained personnel to collect physical evidence from crime scenes.

Expert witnesses testify based on specialized knowledge in court.
Must demonstrate competence through education, experience, and professional qualifications.

Involves chemical aspects of criminal investigations and legal material analyses.
The role includes determining clandestine labs, examining evidence for illicit substances, and conducting thorough examinations.

Sufficiency of Samples: Gather ample specimens for multiple tests.
Standard for Comparison: Include standard samples for accurate analysis.
Maintenance of Individuality: Preserve unique characteristics of specimens.
Labeling and Sealing: Ensure proper identification and integrity of samples.

Go Slow: Prioritize thoroughness over speed for accuracy in investigations.
Be Thorough: Conduct exhaustive examinations and don’t rely solely on qualitative analyses.
Take Notes: Maintain accurate records of procedures and findings.
Consult Others: Seek advice from colleagues when encountering unfamiliar issues.
Use Imagination: Employ controlled creativity to generate hypotheses while remaining grounded.
Avoid Complicated Theories: Favor simplicity in explanations for clarity and accuracy.