Crime and circumstance
Subtitle: investigating the history of forensic science
By: Suzanne Bell.
Publisher: Praeger
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Westport, CT
Language: eng
Number of pages: 251
ISBN-13: 9780313353864
Subjects: Forensic sciences -- History; Criminal investigation -- History
Description: "Crime and Circumstance explores the scientific and social threads that created forensic science and continue to drive its evolution. 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. Bell's 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 science that underlies forensics in an interesting, lively, and accessible way."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Sexy science?; title: The scene of the catastrophe; title: Uniquely human; title: Settlements and civilization; : justice and death; title: The emerging rules of the game; title: Science and biology : alchemy, and chemistry; title: One element's story; title: A visit from God; title: Death investigation and forensic toxicology; title: Forensic chemistry : the color of evidence; title: The eye of the beholder; title: Gunpowder and Dupont : dyes and polymers; title: Microscopy and trace evidence; title: Patterns I : firearms and toolmarks; title: Patterns II : measuring and mis-measuring man; title: Blood : forensic biology arrives; title: DNA : the genetic in genetic markers; title: Admissibility and the trilogy; title: Profession and personalities; title: Professional immaturity; title: Let us return to the scene of the crime.