Forensic Science is a unique combination of science, technology, and law that has evolved over the course of centuries. The practice of forensic investigation and analysis has played a crucial role in solving countless criminal cases and ensuring justice is served. Through the use of various scientific techniques and tools, forensic scientists are able to uncover important evidence, piece together crucial details, and ultimately help bring perpetrators to justice.
The timeline of forensic science is a fascinating journey through key discoveries, techniques, and advancements that have shaped this field into what it is today. From the earliest methods of analyzing DNA and fingerprints to the use of advanced technology such as DNA databases and digital forensics, the timeline of forensic science is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of this important field. Join us as we explore the major milestones and breakthroughs that have contributed to the development of this fascinating and essential science.
The first documented use of science for criminal identification was conducted by Archimedes in (287-212 BC) to determine a metal's purity. Archimedes use the principle of Buoyancy and Density to determine the purity of Metal.
The application of Fingerprint for Identification purpose was made by Soleiman an Arabic merchant in 7th century. Fingerprint was used by him as a proof of validity between debaters and lenders.
In 1000 CE, Quitilian, a prosecutor in the Rome courts used fingerprint for solving murder.
In 1194 King Richard Plantagent officially appointed Coroner in his States. His duty was to find out the causes of death of people who have died in violent or unusual ways.
The first book on medicine and entomology with objective to solve criminal cases was written by Xi Yuan Lu, by Sang Ci (1186-1249).
The first treatise on systematic document examination was published by Francis Demelle of France.
In 1686 Marcello Malpighi, an anatomy professor at the University of Bologna in Italy, included fingerprint ridges, spirals and loops in his treatise. A layer of skin was named after him, the "Malpighi" layer, which is approximately 1.8 mm thick.
Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheel in 1773 derived a method of detection of arsenous oxide (a compound of arsenic) in corpses, if present in large enough quantities.
The first record of the physical matching of evidence leading to murder was discovered in 1784. John Toms was convicted of murder on the basis of the torn edge of a wad of newspaper in a pistol matching a remaining piece in his pocket.
1806, German chemist Valentin Ross discovered the toxin in the stomach wall of the victim.
The Konigin Hanschritt, a document, was subjected to a chemical test for a specific ink color in Germany in 1810.
In 1813 Mathiew Orfilla derived method for scientific chemical analysis of poison. He is considered as Father of Modern Toxicology. He was the first to attempt the use of microscope in assessment of semen and blood stain
John Evangelist Purkinje published the first paper on the nature of fingerprint and suggests a classification in 1823.
James Marsh was the first to use toxicology in court trial in 1836.
H. Bayard in 1839 studied the microscopic structure of sperm and fibers.
In 1864, Gustav Kirchhoff and Robert Bunsen developed spectroscopy, which would later be used in Forensic Chemistry.
In 1879, Alphonse Bertillon introduced anthropometry, a system for identifying individuals using body measurements and derived technique of Portrait Parle.
Sherlock Holmes a fictional detective was created by Sir Authur Canan Doyle and published in 1887 in four novel and 57 short stories.
In 1892 Sir Fransis Galton published a book on Fingerprint.
In 1892 Juan Vucetich (Argentina) classify fingerprint patterns .
In 1893 Hans Gross published a book on “Criminal Investigation”.
In 1897 the first fingerprint bureau was established in Kolkata , India.
In 1910 Sir Edmond Locard gives the “Principle of Exchange” and established the first forensic science laboratory at Lyon.
In 1910 Sir Albert.S.Osborn published a book on “Questioned Document” known as Bible for document examination.
In 1912 Maseo Tkayama develop “Crystal test” for blood examination.
In 1915 Leone Lattes (Italy) developed method for blood grouping of dried blood stain.
Sir Calvin Goddard in 1920 developed comparison microscope.
In 1940 Landsteiner and A.S. Wiener discover Rh blood group system.
In 1946 Mourant discovered the Lewis blood group system.
R.R.Race in 1946 described the Kell blood group system.
In 1950 M. Cutbust described the Duffy blood group system.
DNA fingerprinting, developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984.
Timeline of Forensic Science in Bharat from 3rd Century CE
Forensic science, the application of scientific techniques to investigate crime, has a long and rich history in India. From the ancient India to the modern-day techniques used in crime investigations, India has made significant contributions to this field over the centuries. This timeline highlights some of the key moments and developments in the evolution of forensic science in India, showcasing its growth and impact on the country’s criminal justice system. From the establishment of the first forensic laboratory to the use of advanced technologies in forensic investigations, India’s journey in forensic science has been one of continuous progress and innovation.
The earliest reference to forensic science in India can be found in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and governance written around 3rd Century CE. The concept and principles of criminal investigation is written in Chapter 7 of the Fourth volume of the Arthashastra. Arthashastra provide detail explanation on the:
- Modus operandi of criminals and
- Criminal intentions or motives
In the sixth century BC, Sushruta wrote Sushruta Samhita, another seminal work on medicine and surgery. He is regarded as the father of plastic surgery and forensic medicine in India. He also dealt with topics such as identification of dead bodies, determination of time and cause of death, examination of injuries and wounds etc.
In the seventh century BC, Maharshi Charaka wrote Charak Samhita, a comprehensive text on medicine and surgery. He categories poison and its symptoms.
The first chemical examiner’s laboratory was set up in Madras (now Chennai) in 1849.
The chemical examiner’s laboratory was set up in Calcutta in 1853.
The chemical examiner’s laboratory was set up in Agra in 1864.
The chemical examiner’s laboratory was set up in Bombay in 1870.
In 1892, an Anthropometric bureau was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) for maintaining records of criminals based on Bertillon’s system of body measurements.
First Fingerprint Bureau of the world was established in 1897 in Calcutta.
First chief inspector of explosive was appointed in 1898 at Nagpur and Department of Explosive was established.
In 1904 Mr. C.R. Hardless appointed as Government Examiner of Questioned Document of Bengal.
On recommendation of Royal Police Commission (1902-1903) first CFPB was established at Shimla in 1905.
Note: It was abolished in 1922 on the recommendation of Inchcape Committee.
In 1906 Department of Questioned Document was shifted to Shimla.
Establishment of Forensic Serology Department in Calcutta in 1910.
First Footprint Division was established in 1915 in Bengal.
In 1917 Currency Note Forgery Division was established in Bengal under Criminal Investigating Department.
In 1930 Ballistic Division was established under Calcutta Police.
In 1936 a scientific section was setup under Bengal CID unit.
In 1952 First Forensic Science Laboratory was established in Calcutta and it became fully operational in 1953.
In 1955 Physics Unit was established in SFSL Calcutta which become full fledged department in 1957.
In 1955 Central Fingerprint Bureau was restarted functioning under Intelligence Bureau Delhi.
In 1956, the Central Detective Training School was established in Calcutta for imparting training to police officers and forensic experts.
In 1957, First Central Forensic Science Laboratory was established at Calcutta.
In 1958 Forensic Science Laboratory Bombay was established.
Establishment of central Detective Training School at Hyderabad in 1964.
Establishment of Central Detective Training School in 1973 at Chandigarh.