Beating the Devil's Game: a History of Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation

Summary (from the publisher): An authoritative history of forensic science and the evolution of criminal investigation, from the author of The Forensic Science of C.S.I. and The Human Predator.

Today, the basic scientific precepts of criminal investigation-fingerprinting, DNA, ballistics, and more-are widely known among professionals and lay people alike. But behind each of these now-commonplace concepts is a compelling story of the evolution of science and law, spearheaded by innovative thinkers, many of whom risked their careers and reputations for the sake of justice. Dr. Katherine Ramsland traces that development from thirteenth-century Chinese studies of decomposition rates through the flowering of science during the Renaissance, up to the marvels of the present day and beyond.

Review: "Crime has been part of human society since Cain slew Abe, and identifying perpetrators has challenged the greatest minds to develop reliable techniques for investigation and prosecution." This was certainly the most gruesome book I've ever read due to its graphic descriptions of countless murders. Yet I found the slow development of scientific means to determine guilt interesting. We've certainly come a long way from the original crime detection technique of confessions via torture. What disturbed me the most were the crimes recounted where the true killer was never found and innocents were jailed or executed for another's crimes.

Stars: 3