NCJ Number
82760
Editor(s)
R Saferstein
Date Published
1982
Length
742 pages
Annotation
Forensic science experts present information on methods of analysis, equipment, and interpretation of scientific tests for an array of physical evidence, including blood, hair, paint, soil, glass, gunshot residue, documents, and more. A discussion of legal aspects covers expert testimony and rules of evidence.
Abstract
Special chapters highlight the expanding use of high-performance liquid chromotography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. HPLC is useful in analyzing drugs, poisons, and allied substances. A survey of mass spectrometry covers sample ionization, the mass analyzer, sample inlets, data acquisition and processing, and applications to the analysis of drugs, explosives, and synthetic polymers. Glass analysis covers variability, primary glass types, fracture examination, and particle comparisons. Additional sections are devoted to analysis of human hair and evidence of arson and use of explosives. The identification and grouping of bloodstains requires familarity with the Lattes crust method, the absorption-inhibition technique, mixed agglutination, and the absorption-elution method. Biochemical markers of individuality are described, focusing on genetically polymorphic protein markers and statistical analysis methods. The chapter on forensic microscopy discusses major variants of the compound microscope, polarized light microscopy, microchemical methods, and photomicrography. The text also covers analysis of household and automotive paint and detection of gunshot residue on hands and around bullet holes. Other chapters deal with soil analysis, alcohol in blood and breath, and document examination. Each chapter includes references.