

Many years ago when I wrote Genetic Dragnet: Constitutional? It renewed my interest Forensic Science, which was kindled by reading the stories of Sherlock Holmes. In fact, many credit Sir Arthur Conan Doyle through Holmes for popularizing, if not pioneering, the use of Forensic Science in detection. The character of Sherlock Holmes is based on Dr. Joseph Bell. One of Conan Doyle's medical school professors.
In his instruction, Bell emphasized the importance of close observation in making a diagnosis. To illustrate this, he would often pick a stranger and, by observing him, deduce his occupation and recent activities. These skills cause him to be considered a pioneer in Forensic Science" (Enpsychlopedia.com).
From such truth great fiction is made; and from great fiction can sometimes come truth. Just three years ago the Royal Society of Chemistry honored Holmes with a fellowship. It said: "Many years ago, Holmes was using what would one day be forensic science in detection. Thanks to his science today, more crimes are solved than ever before" (Holmes Still Walks).
There lays my interest in Forensic Science. What links are out there? Few that are maintained, and fewer still that are for the non-specialist like myself, thus the following list is weak, but getting stronger.
- Timeline of Key Events
- From Fingerprints to DNA The Forensic Science Service - UK
- Forensic Science Society
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Vidocq Society was founded in 1990. Philadelphia’s second-in-command U.S. Customs Service Special Agent, a well-known forensic sculptor from Philadelphia, and a prison psychologist from Michigan were the first members. Today more than 150 men and women from diverse backgrounds comprise our unique group, sprinkled with forensic experts, businesspeople, and others dedicated to dealing with long-unsolved murders and other major cases.
- Frank Bender Art
- Online Forensic Science Resources
- Criminal Justice Guide - Ayo and Iken PLC | Florida
- Online Criminal Justice Resource guide L.A. Criminal Defense Partners
- "The Doe Network": International Center for Unidentified & Missing Persons
- Fundamental Physics Scientific research and laboratory physics
- CBS.com: CSI
- FBI—Laboratory Services
- National Institute of Justice
- Subcommittee for Forensic Science
- American Society of Questioned Document Examiners (ASQDE)
- American Society of Crime Lab Directors
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- American Board of Forensic Anthropology
- Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
- International Association for Identification
- Science Gumshoes: Children's Science Through Detective Stories
- PBS Teachers, Thematic Teaching, Forensic Science; Resources
- Major in Forensic Science
- University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center (The Body Farm)
- Online Computer Forensics Degree | Computer Forensics Careers ComputerScienceOnline.org is an in-depth website for potential and current students considering a career with computers, software engineering, and more. Our staff is passionate about technology and dedicated to helping others find the information they need to make decisions about their future in the fast moving and rapidly growing tech industry.
- Forensic Science at Michigan State University
- University of Florida | Forensic Science Distance Education Programs
- Forensic Science Programs | DYSON COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES | Pace University
- Forensic Science Degree Programs: Search 300+ Forensic Schools
- Forensic Science Education & Career Information, Schools, & More