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First recorded use of questioned document analysis.
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Period: to
Major Events from 1800s- 2000s
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The development of tests for the presence of blood in a forensic context.
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A bullet comparison used to catch a murderer.
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The first use of toxicology (arsenic detection) in a jury trial.
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The development of the first crystal test for hemoglobin using hemin crystals.
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The development of a presumputive test for blood.
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The first use of photography for the identification of criminals and documentation of evidence and crime scenes.
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The first recorded use of fingerprints to solve a crime.
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The development of the first microscope with a comparison bridge.
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Forensic science was applied when doctors in London were allowed to examine the victims of Jack the Ripper for wound patterns.
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Establishment of practice using the comparison microscope for bullet comparison.
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Development of the absorption-inhibation ABO blood typing technique.
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Invention of the first interference contrast microscope by physicists Frits Zernike.
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Development of the chemiluminescent reagent luminol as a presumptive test for blood.
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Study of voice print identification.
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Invention of the Breathalyzer for field sobriety tests.
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Use of the heated headspace sampling technique for collecting arson evidence.
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Development of the scanning electron microscope with electron dispersive X-ray technology.
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Identification of the polymorphic nature of red cells.
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Enactment of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
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Use of DNA to solve a crime and exonerate and innocent suspect.
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DNA databank legislation was enacted.
