Summary
From the study of explosives and bodily fluids to drug analysis and fingerprints, chemical methods have played a major role in crime investigation in the last few decades. Forensic Chemistry examines the many ways these scientific techniques have infiltrated crime investigation in today’s world.
This accessible book examines the chemical characteristics of fuels and explosives, as well as arson-related methods; other ways of identifying criminals through chemical processes, including blood and bodily fluid analyses, the chemical characteristics found in fibers and hair, and latent and DNA fingerprinting; and the chemical properties of drug analysis. Biographical information on important researchers in the field is also included. This volume is an excellent resource for students interested in the chemical methods used behind the crime scene.
Chapters include:
- The Origins of Forensic Science
- Fingerprinting
- Forensic Serology
- Toxicology and Drug Testing
- Arson and Explosives Investigations
- DNA Fingerprinting.
Specifications
Black-and-white photographs and line illustrations. Index. Bibliography. Glossary. Further reading. Web sources.
About the Author(s)
David E. Newton holds an associate’s degree in science from Grand Rapids Junior College, a B.A. in chemistry and an M.A. in education from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in science education from Harvard University. He taught mathematics and physical sciences, was a professor of chemistry and physics at Salem State College, and was an adjunct professor in the College of Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco. He is the author of more than 400 textbooks, encyclopedias, resource books, research manuals, trade books, and other educational materials, including DNA Evidence and Forensic Science, one volume in Facts On File's Library in a Book series.