Irrefutable Evidence: Adventures in the History of Forensic Science

by Michael Kurland

The rise of scientific thinking in finding, catching, and convicting criminals―and, just as important, freeing the innocent―has transformed society's assault on crime. Before scientific detective work, early attempts to maintain public safety relied on the severity of punishment rather than any probability of apprehension. But with the rapid development of the sciences in the nineteenth century, some techniques began to spill over into more effective police work.

Michael Kurland's engrossing history of forensic science recounts this remarkable progress, which continues to the present. He traces the history of the major techniques of criminal detection and many of the minor ones. Here are Bertillon's physical measurements used to recognize habitual criminals; the study of fingerprints identifying criminals long after they have left the scene of the crime; Gravelle's comparison microscope comparing bullets to determine if they have been fired from the same gun; the development of bloodstain identification and, ultimately, the blood type involved. Mr. Kurland explains how once–accepted techniques have fallen by the wayside―handwriting analysis, for example―and how methods such as lie detectors, voice spectrum analysis, bite mark evidence, and other methods have proven unworthy.

Finally Irrefutable Evidence explores the rise of modern DNA typing techniques, which have proven the innocence of many persons convicted of major crimes and resulted in the exoneration of more than two hundred on death row. With 12 black–and–white illustrations.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Science, History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

aka Jennifer Plum

Michael Kurland has written many non-fiction books on a vast array of topics, including How to Solve a Murder, as well as many novels. Twice a finalist for the Edgar Award (once for The Infernal Device) given by the Mystery Writers of America, Kurland is perhaps best known for his novels about Professor Moriarty. He lives in Petaluma, California.

Reviews

[Am Y · Rating 2 out of 5]

Details techniques used in crime solving through the ages, using actual cases throughout history as examples. Presentation was very dry and boring and I soon got tired of reading this. Also, almost all the cases mentioned, I had already read about in other similar books - this book didn't cover anything new. You're much better off reading some of the other crime/forensic science titles.

[Rex Libris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author traces the history of various forensic methods, from fingerprinting to DNA. He also discusses failed and junk science forensic methodology such as bite marks and phrenology. While the author discusses instances where the tried and true methods have failed, it is important to point out that the forensic science was wrong, but rather the application. Fingerprints and DNA can become unreliable when proper procedures are not followed, whether through incompetence or outright corruption.

[Kristin Randall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find the history of forensics fascinating but this book was a bit dry to me

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, accessible F/S primer for the lay person.

Don't let the time it took me to finish scare you off - I just had to read other things in the interim. :) Very easy to understand & a reasonable length.

[David Nadolny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good research book for writing investigative detective stories, but not for those looking for a book to read for enjoyment.

I'd give it a four for research and a one as recreational reading book.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subject matter was fascinating and the book was informative, but the style left something to be desired.

[Wayne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of CSI, NCIS or any of the other similar TV shows this book IS NOT for you.

On the other hand, if you want to develop an accurate knowledge of the various forensic arts, their history, strengths and limitations, failings and outright abuses, this book is for you. Sadly, the forensic sciences are only as good as the technology applied and the people practicing them; which in itself is subject to other influences such as who is paying them.

Thanks to the "irrefutable evidence" of DNA testing, we can now identify a cold case rapist/murderer...who was only four years old at the time and living many states away. If it can happen to a preschool child it can also happen to you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, however, I have a history in one of the forensic fields, have met some of the "experts" mentioned in this book and I thoroughly detest CSI and NCIS.