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Crime and Circumstance Investigating the History of Forensic Science

Suzanne Bell

Book Code: C35386

ISBN: 0-313-35386-7

ISBN-13: 978-0-313-35386-4

DOI:

272 pages, figures

Praeger Publishers

Publication: 6/30/2008

List Price: $49.95 (UK Sterling Price: £27.95)

Availability: In Stock

Media Type: Hardcover

Subjects:

Description: Today, there is more interest in forensic science than ever before. Crime and Circumstance weaves an intriguing tale of how an obscure corner of medicine dating back to ancient times matured into modern forensic science. The author explores the scientific and social threads that created forensic science and continue to drive its evolution. The result is an entertaining narrative that introduces intriguing cases and personalities across history, nations, and cultures and helps readers translate what they encounter in popular media into the reality of forensic science and laboratory investigation. Through historical and contemporary examples, Bell illustrates how cutting-edge research migrates to forensic laboratories, a transfer that is more indirect than people might expect. Although science and the judicial system both pursue truth, the interface between them is anything but seamless. This unique historical approach focuses on personalities from scientific law enforcement and emphasizes the myriad discoveries made over the years. Through these stories, the reader is introduced to the underlying science in an interesting, lively, and accessible way.

Table of Contents:

Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Sexy Science?
Chapter 2. The Scene of the Catastrophe
Chapter 3. Uniquely Human
Chapter 4. Settlements and Civilization; Justice and Death
Chapter 5: The Emerging Rules of the Game
Chapter 6: Science and Biology; Alchemy, and Chemistry
Chapter 7: One Elements Story
Chapter 8: A Visit from God
Chapter 9: Death Investigation and Forensic Toxicology
Chapter 10: Forensic Chemistry: The Color of Evidence
Chapter 11: The Eye of the Beholder
Chapter 12: Gunpowder and DuPont; Dyes and Polymers
Chapter 13: Microscopy and Trace Evidence
Chapter 14: Patterns I: Firearms and Toolmarks
Chapter 15: Patterns II: Measuring and Mis-measuring Man
Chapter 16: Blood: Forensic Biology Arrives
Chapter 17: DNA: The Genetic in Genetic Markers
Chapter 18: Admissibility and the Trilogy
Chapter 19: Profession and Personalities
Chapter 20: Professional Immaturity
Chapter 21: Let us Return to the Scene of the Crime
Notes
Bibliography
Index

LC Card Number: 2008008081

LCC Class: HV8073

Dewey Class: 363


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