1. Introduction.

Definition and Scope of Forensic Science. History and Development of Forensic Science. The Organization of a Crime Laboratory. Services of the Crime Laboratory. The Functions of the Forensic Scientist. Other Forensic Science Services.

2. The Crime Scene.

Processing the Crime Scene. Legal Considerations at the Crime Scene.

3. Physical Evidence.

Common Types of Physical Evidence. The Significance of Physical Evidence.

4. Physical Properties: Glass and Soil.

The Metric System. Physical Properties. Comparing Glass Fragments. Glass Fractures. Collection and Preservation of Glass Evidence. Forensic Characteristics of Soil. Collection and Preservation of Soil Evidence.

5. Organic Analysis.

Elements and Compounds. Selecting an Analytical Technique. Chromatography. Spectrometry. Mass Spectrometry (MS).

6. Inorganic Analysis.

Evidence in the Assassination of President Kennedy. The Emission Spectrum of Elements. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The Origin of Emission and Absorption Spectra. Neutron Activation Analysis. X-Ray Diffraction.

7. The Microscope.

The Compound Microscope. The Comparison Microscope. The Stereoscopic Microscope. The Polarizing Microscope. The Microspectrophotometer. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

8. Hairs, Fibers, and Paint.

Morphology of Hair. Identification and Comparison of Hair. Collection of Hair Evidence. Types of Fibers. Identification and Comparison of Man-Made Fibers. Collection of Fiber Evidence. Forensic Examination of Paint. Collection and Preservation of Paint Evidence.

9. Drugs.

Drug Dependence. Narcotic Drugs. Hallucinogens. Depressants. Stimulants. Club Drugs. Anabolic Steroids. Drug-Control Laws. Drug Identification. Collection and Preservation of Drug Evidence.

10. Forensic Toxicology.

Toxicology of Alcohol. The Role of the Toxicologist. Techniques Used in Toxicology. The Significance of Toxicological Findings. The Drug Recognition Expert.

11. Forensic Aspects of Arson and Explosion Investigations.

The Chemistry of Fire. Searching the Fire Scene. Collection and Preservation of Arson Evidence. Analysis of Flammable Residues. Types of Explosives. Collection and Analysis of Explosives.

12. Forensic Serology.

The Nature of Blood. Forensic Characterization of Bloodstains. Stain Patterns of Blood. Principles of Heredity. Forensic Characterization of Semen. Collection of Rape Evidence.

13. DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool.

What Is DNA? DNA at Work. Replication of DNA. Recombinant DNA: Cutting and Splicing DNA. DNA Typing. Mitochondria DNA. The Combined DNA Index System. The Collection and Preservation of Biological Evidence for DNA Analysis.

14. Fingerprints.

History of Fingerprinting. Fundamental Principles of Fingerprints. Classification of Fingerprints. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints. Preservation of Developed Prints. Digital Imaging for Fingerprint Enhancement.

15. Firearms, Tool Marks, and Other Impressions.

Bullet Comparisons. Cartridge Cases. Automated Firearm Search Systems. Gunpowder Residues. Primer Residues on the Hands. Serial Number Restoration. Collection and Preservation of Firearm Evidence. Tool Marks. Other Impressions.

16. Document and Voice Examination.

Handwriting Comparisons. Collection of Handwriting Exemplars. Typewriting Comparisons. Photocopier, Printer, and Fax Examination. Alterations, Erasures, and Obliterations. Other Document Problems. Voice Examination.

17. Forensic Science on the Internet.

What Is the Internet? Where to Go on the Internet. Exploring Forensic Science on the WWW. Websites You May Wish to Explore.

18. The Future.

Case Readings.

Appendices.
Guides to the Collection of Physical Evidence--FBI. Instructions for Collecting Gunshot Residue (GSR). FBI Policy for Submitting DNA Evidence. Chromatographic and Spectrophotometric Parameters for Figures Contained within the Text. Chemical Formulas for Latent Fingerprint Development. Chemical Formulas for Development of Footwear Impressions in Blood.
Answers.
Index.