Forensic Science figures

Sherlock Holmes

Fictional character that inspired people to use science in solving crime.

Mathieu Orfila

Father of Forensic Toxicology

Alphonse Bertillon

Father of Anthropometry, a system that uses body measurements to identify people. Was later replaced by fingerprints.

Francis Galton

Conducted and published the first definitive study for classifying fingerprints.

Leone Lattes

Developed the test for determining blood type in dried blood samples.

Calvin Goddard

Established the use of the comparison microscope for examining firearms and bullets. Testified in the Sacco and Vanzetti case.

Walter McCrone

Renowned scientist who used microscopy and other analytical techniques in forensics cases. His training institute still educates thousands of forensic scientists today.

Albert S. Osborne

Developed the principles of document examination (ex. birth certificates)

Hans Gross

Prosecutor and judge who wrote a book called "Criminal Investigation" and advanced the use of science in crime related investigations.

Edmond Locard

Started the first crime lab in Lyons, France. Created the concept of "The Locard Exchange."

Alec Jeffreys

Developed the test that used DNA for the first application in forensics in 1984.

Sun Tzu

Chinese military general and philosopher. One of the first people to use forensic science to solve a crime.

Dorothy L. Sayers

Creator of Lord Peter Wimsey. Meticulous scientific detail and correct attention to facts.

Agatha Christie

Famous crime novelist that used forensic science in her books.