Forensic chemists and toxicologists work with drugs and poisons, but they each start with different evidence. Forensic chemists working in a crime lab must determine if the physical evidence they receive is an illegal substance such as marijuana or cocaine. They are also responsible for samples - including fire debris, soil, paint, glass, explosives, and fibers - obtained from suspected arson crimes. Toxicologists, on the other hand, work with biological evidence such as blood, saliva, urine, and feces, using analytical chemistry to identify chemical traces and unmetabolized drugs. They often...

Evidence that can barely be seen with the naked eye routinely plays a crucial part in the search forand the conviction ofsome of the most dangerous criminals known to society. From the hairs of a dog to tiny fiber fragments, forensic analysts study these trace materials and interpret them for use in legal proceedings. Hairs and fibers are two of the most commonly found types of trace evidence and the focus of this book.

Firearms evidence examination and fingerprint comparison have had a long and interesting history. The role of fingerprints in human identification can actually be traced back several thousand years. The development of the science of fingerprint comparison and the scientific examination of firearms, however, began in the early 19th century. The goal of the preservation of physical evidence is to associate each piece of evidence with its responsible source, allowing forensic scientists to answer questions regarding the who, what, when, where, how, and why of a crime. "Firearms and Fingerprints"...

Engineering scientists in motor vehicle crash investigations use forensic evidence to measure and analyze the variables involved in a car crash. "Crashes and Collapses" examines forensic cases and investigative methods from the forensic engineering sciences, which include the physical sciences as well as all of the engineering fields. The engineering sciences dominate forensic investigations of events underlying civil disputes while also playing an important role in criminal investigations, especially in those in which a crime has been disguised as an accident.

Fakes and forgeries have existed since humans began creating art and written language. Laws against forgery existed in ancient Egypt, as skilled craftsmen made glass imitations of precious gemstones. Today, science has become a key partner in the battle against forgers as the techniques of forgery advance. Stamps, money, art, and historical artifacts are only a few of the objects that are commonly forged, and scientists working in forensic labs often work hand-in-hand with artists, museums, linguists, and historians to study artifacts and documents. "Fakes and Forgeries" looks at the modern...

Forensic science serves as an accessible and inspiring window into a fascinating realm of science. As illustrated by the popularity of television shows like "CSI," forensic science--while a specialized field--appeals to a wide audience.

Shows how crimes are solved with the help of forensic science. This book explores the pioneers of forensic science, how evidence is collected and analyzed, and the science of DNA, fingerprinting.