Crime scene to court: the essentials of forensic science (2nd edn)
P. C. White (ed)
Cambridge: RSC 2004 | Pp474 | £27.95 | ISBN 0 854 04656 9
Reviewed by Matthew Almond
Several universities have set up degree programmes containing forensic science modules over recent years. The impetus to providing such courses often comes from a desire to make chemistry programmes more attractive to potential applicants by moving away from traditional pure chemistry and emphasising its application to an area where there is considerable popular interest. Only time will tell how successful this move has been. However, it is already clear that the most useful and successful programmes are those that contain a core of pure science, including chemistry, and emphasise the application of these scientific principles to problems of forensic science. A good textbook is invaluable to those teaching on such a course and this second edition, edited by Peter White, is almost ideal in this respect.
White has put together a series of chapters written by experts - most of whom are practising professional forensic scientists. The book is excellent in explaining the forensic applications of analysis. For example, infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography are described in terms of analysing alcohol in breath and body fluids, drugs of abuse, paints and textiles, and oils, greases and waxes.
Importantly the book begins by describing the crime scene and ends by considering how expert forensic evidence may be presented in court. There is a wealth of detail in the text, and it is also a 'good read'. A description of the fundamental principles of the methods of analysis is beyond its scope, so for chemistry students studying forensic modules I would recommend that they read this book in conjunction with one of the many excellent analytical chemistry texts currently on the market.
I recommend this book to those studying, or teaching on, university courses which include forensic analysis. I also recommend this as a readable resource for all of those who have an interest in forensic investigations and would like a clear, concise description of their background.
