The role of forensic science in the solution of crime becomes greater almost every day. This collection of case studies marks the breakthroughs in the subject from Burke and Hare in Edinburgh of 1828 to the first execution brought about by DNA evidence in the US in the last few years. The book also includes many first examples - proven tests for arsenic, use of teeth in identification, the advent of finger print evidence and of blood analysis, ballistic evidence, bacteriological work, computer analysis and the profiling of body fluids. There are over 20 cases described and explained for the armchair detective, scientists, police and legal profession.