INTRODUCTION

World of Forensic Science portrays the vast scope and influence of modern forensic science. From its origins in pre-scientific human fascination with the causes, manner, and circumstances of death, to the increasingly vital role of forensic science in law, security, and global economic and health issues, World of Forensic Science contains articles dedicated to providing insight into the science, applications, and importance of forensics.

To cover a topic of such scope and impact as forensic science is a daunting task. Interest in forensics spans human history, impacts philosophical and religious thoughts about death, and now, fueled by television and movies, is reflected in popular culture. Human interest in forensics dates to our earliest recorded histories. Egyptian Pharaohs first appointed officials to make inquiries into questionable deaths as early as ca. 3000 B.C., and accounts of ancient Roman law include references to the use of forensic experts in legal proceedings. Medieval English Common law, upon which portions of modern United States law is based, called for forensic determinations in the handling of estates.

Forensic science also has played—and in some cases continues to play—an important part in philosophical and religious thoughts about death. In some religions, for example, the determination of the manner of death may impact whether a body is fit for burial in certain grounds. Religious beliefs can also impact forensics, as there are still areas of the world and groups that consider autopsies as desecration.

As a formal science, forensics grew lockstep with advances in many branches of science during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The interval from scientific invention to forensic application narrowed as forensic scientists borrowed from the latest innovations of virtually every field of science to solve mysteries. However, just as advances in microscopes and atomic science allowed forensic applications to aid in the investigation of crimes at the most minute molecular and cellular level, the breadth of applications of forensic science underwent exponential expansion. In modern times, in addition to solving local crime, the next global pandemic or bioterrorist attack might well be first detected by a forensic scientist initially investigating a mysterious death.

World of Forensic Science is a collection of nearly 600 entries that evidence the wide diversity of forensic science. Articles on topics such as art forgery and wine authenticity indicate the far-reaching economic impact of forensic science. Heart-wrenching applications of forensic science, from uncovering the mindsets, methods, and motives of modern terrorists to discovering the far-reaching extent of natural disasters, are discussed in articles ranging from the "Identification of Beslan victims in Russia" to "Identification of tsunami victims"

Articles on a number of topics related to genetics, DNA fingerprinting, and microbiology show how recent advances in research quickly find their way into forensic application. A range of articles related to basic science reflects the fact that modern forensic investigators must be able to understand and properly apply tools from virtually every scientific discipline.

Nature is often innately tricky enough to confound scientists seeking to uncover its mysteries, but forensic scientists must also pit their skills against those deliberately trying to conceal or mislead. The importance of skill and experience to the forensic investigator is evidenced in the authoritative writing of many articles, including Ed Friedlander's article on autopsy procedures and Nancy Master's article on latent fingerprint analysis. (Friedlander serves as chairman, Dept. of Pathology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, is board-certified in anatomic and clinical pathology, and has conducted an estimated 700 autopsies. Masters is the 2004 Dondero Award winner for identification in forensics.)

While selected topics acknowledge the relationship of forensic science to history and culture, and others describe the brutal realities of sensational crimes involving serial murders, ritual killers, or bombers, it was our intent to keep World of Forensic Science focused on science. The editors hope that World of Forensic Science serves to inspire a new generation of forensic scientists and investigators. It is also our modest wish that this book provide valuable information to students and readers regarding topics often in the news or the subject of civic debate.

K. Lee Lerner & Brenda Wilmoth Lerner
Editors
Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola, FL, and London, U.K.
April 2005

How to Use This Book

The articles in the book are meant to be understandable by anyone with a curiosity about topics in forensic science. Cross-references to related articles, definitions, and biographies in this collection are indicated by bold-faced type, and these cross-references will help explain and expand the individual entries. World of Forensic Science carries specifically selected fundamental topics in genetics, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and immunology that provide a basis for understanding forensic science applications.

This first edition of World of Forensic Science has been designed with ready reference in mind:

• Entries are arranged alphabetically, rather than by chronology or scientific field.
• Bold-faced terms direct the reader to related entries.
• "See also" references at the end of entries alert the reader to related entries not specifically mentioned in the body of the text.
• A sources consulted section lists the most worthwhile print material and web sites we encountered in the compilation of this volume. It is there for the inspired reader who wants more information on the people and discoveries covered in this volume.
• The historical chronology includes many of the significant events in the advancement of forensic science.
• A comprehensive general index guides the reader to topics and persons mentioned in the book. Bolded page references refer the reader to the term's full entry.

Although there is an important and fundamental link between the composition and shape of biological molecules and their detection by forensic testing, a detailed understanding of chemistry is neither assumed or required for World of Forensic Science. Accordingly, students and other readers should not be intimidated or deterred by the complex names of chemical molecules. Where necessary, sufficient information regarding chemical structure is provided. If desired, more information can easily be obtained from any basic chemistry or biochemistry reference.