For those with interest in “Forensic Sciences” I would refer you to a 2009 National Academies Study of “Forensic Science” which did an indepth review of the scientific basis for most of the “accepted science” used in forensics, and found the typical scientific basis for applying conclusions lacking for most accepted practices, except for DNA.
Two good references:
National Academies Press study report
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12589&page=35
Report by Study co-Chairman with reasonable lay person account of findings and shortcomings of current accepted practice:
Larry
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Suzy Arnette
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 10:14 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] PBS show: The Poisoner's Handbook
On Tue, Jan 14, 2014 at 10:54 AM, Naomi Kelly <nkelly**At_Symbol_Here**clemson.edu> wrote:
Do you know when this will air again?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Beth Shepard <beth.shepard**At_Symbol_Here**SIAL.COM>
Date: 01/14/2014 9:51 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] PBS show: The Poisoner's Handbook
Good morning--
As just a note to the group....I just watched a show on PBS American Experience called "The Poisoner's Handbook". It was extremely well done & it shows how far we've come in chemistry & safety.
It's about how forensic science was developed & how it became part of the justice system. It covers the careers of Charles Norris (1st med. examiner) & Alexander Gettler (head of toxicology lab) in New York City starting in 1918.
The actual story was fascinating (I know...science geek alert), but the use of truly hazardous materials in consumer products & in workplace exposures shown throughout the narrative was an amazing illustration of why we do what we do & how far we've come in 100 years.
If you have the opportunity, it's well worth the 2 hr run time to watch it.
Beth
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Suzy Arnette, PhD
Lab Safety Officer
Radiation Safety Officer
Boise State University
Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability
Phone: 208.426.3906
MS-1826
http://operations.boisestate.edu/EHS
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