GE7 Prelims 2021

QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIFFUN CAMPUS
Diffun, 3401 Quirino
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
SELF – PACED LEARNING MODULE
IN
GE 7 (GENERAL EDUCATION 7: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY)
BY:
AZZALEYAH ZUEN H. TOLENTINO

INSTRUCTOR
VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.
“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

DIFFUN CAMPUS
MODULE 1 Introduction to forensic science, related sciences and criminalistics
COMPETENCIES
To gain knowledge about science, technology, and society. It’s relationship with each other and
understand briefly how science is related to forensic science and criminalistics
DISCUSSION
SCIENCE- any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena
and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation. In general, a science
involves a pursuit of knowledge covering general truths or the operations of fundamental laws.
TECHNOLOGY- the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means
and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as
industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.
SOCIETY- a group of people living as a community or an organized group of people for a common
purpose.
FORENSIC SCIENCE- may generally be defined as the application of scientific, technical, or other
specialized knowledge to assist courts in resolving questions of fact in civil and criminal trials.
Forensic science is the application of science to law. Any science can be applied to law, but some
of the commonest forensic science involves forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic
toxicology. It also deals with facts that maybe used as legal evidence. It plays a crucial role in the
justice system by providing scientific and foundational information for investigations and the
courts.
CRIMINALISTICS- is the profession and scientific discipline directed toward the recognition,
collection, preservation, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence in
legal proceedings by the application of natural sciences.
Science is of great help. It made our lives easier than the primitive times. It evolves and adjusts to
circumstances and needs of humans. In the field of forensic science, it aids in criminal investigation;
allowing authorities to positively identify a suspect in a crime and determine exactly when and how
a crime occurred. Applying criminalistics in solving a crime lessens the errors to avoid misfiled law
suits and save time, money, effort in order to focus more on other cases.
Criminalistics
a. Personal identification (dactyloscopy)- a method of studying fingerprints to establish
identification.
b. Forensic ballistics- the science of analyzing firearm usage in crimes. It involves analysis of
bullets and bullet impacts to determine the type and caliber of the firearm fired.
c. Forensic photography- the field covering the legal application of photography in criminal
jurisprudence and criminal investigation. It deals with the study of fundamental but pragmatic
principle/concepts of photography, application of photography in law enforcement; and preparation
of photographic evidence needed by prosecutors and courts of law.
d. Lie detection (Polygraphy)- polygraph or lie detector test is a scientific test that collects
physiological data from a person with the purpose of detecting reactions associated with dishonesty.
At least three systems in the human body are recorded during a polygraph examination.
e. Questioned document examination- consists largely of comparing questioned hand writing
with known hand writing to determine the writers’ identity. It includes the examination of forgeries,
typewriting, inks, paper, indented and eradicated writing, rubber-stamped impressions, charred
paper and related items.
f. Forensic medicine- the scientific use of use of medical and paramedical specialties, as well as
various dental, psychological, biological, chemical, and mechanical techniques, in investigating the
cause of a person’s death, disability, injury, or disease.
Some personalities in forensic science

1. Mathieu Orfila- father of forensic toxicology. He wrote first treatise on poisons and their effects in
1814.
2. Alphonse Bertillon- devised the first scientific system of personal identification using body
measurements known as anthropometry or Bertillonage.
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
3. Francis Galton- undertook the first definitive study of fingerprints and developed a method of
classifying fingerprints. 4. Leone Lattes- devised a simple procedure for determining the blood type
(A, B, O, and AB) of a dried blood stain.
5. Calvin Goddard- first to use a comparison microscope to determine if a bullet was fired from a
specific gun.
6. Albert S. Osborn- developed fundamental principles of document analysis and was responsible
for the acceptance of documents as scientific evidence by the courts.
7. Hans Gross- Father of Criminalistics. He described the application of scientific disciplines to the
field of criminal investigation, introducing the first forensic journal, “Kriminologie”. He described
how forensics would be assisted by the fields of microscopy, chemistry, physics mineralogy, zoology,
botany, anthropometry, and fingerprinting.
8. Edmond Locard- Locard’s exchange principle, once contact is made between two surfaces a
transfer of material(s) will occur. Locard founded and directed the Institute of Criminalistics in
Lyons, France.
Some related sciences that are helpful in law enforcement

A. DNA TEST- (DNA typing, DNA fingerprinting, DNA profiling, genetic tests, and genetic
fingerprinting.) The scientific basis of this test comes first from the fact that our differences as
individuals are due to the differences in composition of our genes. These genes comprise a chemical
substance, DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid.in the United States, DNA tests have been used to convict
perpetrators of crime, as well as exonerate innocent individuals. (3rd Convention and seminar of
the Philippine Judges Association, June 11, 1999), 4 The court System Journal 47 (1999).
DNA- a molecule that encodes the genetic information in all living organisms. A person’s DNA is
the same in each cell and it does not change throughout a person’s life time; the DNA in a person’s
blood is the same as the DNA found in his saliva, sweat, bone, the root and shaft of the hair, earwax,
mucus, urine, skin tissue, and vaginal and rectal cells. Most importantly, because of
polymorphisms in human genetic structure, no two individuals have the same DNA, with the
notable exception of identical twins.
DNA evidence collected from a crime scene can link a suspect to a crime or eliminate one from
suspicion in the same principle as fingerprints are used.
Forensic DNA evidence is helpful in proving that there was physical contact between an assailant
and a victim, crime scene or assailant, DNA can be compared with known samples to place the
suspect at the scene of the crime. (People v. Vallejo, G.R. No. 144656, 9 May 2002, 382 SCRA 192).
The purpose of DNA testing- to ascertain whether an association exists between the evidence
sample and the reference sample. The samples collected are subjected to various chemical
processes to establish their profile.
The test may yield three possible results
1. The samples are different and therefore must have originated from different sources (exclusion).
This conclusion is absolute and requires no further analysis or discussion.
2. It is not possible to be sure, based on the results of the test, whether the samples have similar
DNA types (inconclusive). This might occur for a variety of reasons including degradation,
contamination, or failure of some aspect of the protocol. Various parts of the analysis might the be
repeated with the same or a different sample, to obtain a more conclusive result; or
3. The samples are similar and could have originated from the same source (inclusion). In such a
case the samples are fund to be similar, the analyst proceeds to determine the statistical
significance of the similarity.
In assessing the probative value of DNA evidence, therefore, courts should consider, among other
things, the following data: how the samples were collected, how they were handled, the possibility
of contamination of the samples, the procedure followed in analyzing the samples, whether the
proper standards and procedures were followed in conducting the tests, and the qualification of the
analyst who conducted the tests.
B. Forensic Identification- application of forensic science and technology to identify specific

objects from the traces they leave, often at a crime scene.
C. Forensic Anthropology- application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process.
The identification of skeletal, badly decomposed, or otherwise unidentified human remains is
important for both legal and humanitarian reasons. Forensic anthropologists apply standard
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist
in the detection of crime. (American Board of Forensic Anthropology)
Branches of anthropology
• The science that deals with the origins, cultural development, characteristics, social customs and
beliefs of humankind (cultural anthropology)
• The study of humanity’s similarity to and divergence from other animals (physical anthropology)
• Archeology Several subfields Physical anthropology- study of primate order, past and present,
such as primate biology, skeletal biology, and human adaptation Cultural and linguistic
anthropology- study of the aspects of human society and language, past and present Archeology-
study of past cultures via material remains and artifacts Anthropology as a forensic tool- traditional
means of identification from unknown remains
D. Forensic Odontology- a branch of forensic medicine and in the interest of justice, deals with
the proper examination, handling and presentation of dental evidence in a court of law. It is the
science of studying human dentitions and applying the characteristics in the identification of
individuals. In order to help the forensic investigation, a forensic odontologist would often work
with a forensic pathologist or forensic anthropologist. Important applications of forensic
odontologists include bitemark analysis and positive identification of human beings.
Bite mark analysis- the sizes, shapes and pattern of the biting edges of the anterior teeth that are
arranged in the upper and lower dental arcades are thought to be specific to an individual. Thus,
it is useful in aiding investigation like mortal combat situations, such as the violence associated
with life and death struggles between assailants and victims, the teeth are often used as a weapon.
Indeed, using the teeth to inflict serious injury on an attacker may be the only defensive method
for a victim. Alternatively, it is well known that assailants in sexual attacks, including sexual
homicide, rape and child sexual abuse, often bite their victims as an expression of dominance, rage
and animalistic behavior.
Identification of human remains- the most common role of the forensic dentist is the
identification of deceased individuals. The bodies of victims of violent crimes, fires, aviation
accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and work place accidents can be disfigured to such an extent
that identification by a family member is neither reliable no desirable. Persons who have been
deceased for some time prior to discovery and those found in water also present unpleasant and
difficult visual identifications.
E. Forensic Radiology- specialized are of medical imaging utilizing radiological techniques to

assist physicians and pathologists in matters pertaining to the law. Through forensic radiology,
discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen in November 1895 was possible; a bullet lodged in the leg
of a gunshot victim was located using X-rays and the obtained images used in the subsequent
successful prosecution case for attempted murder.
Uses of forensic radiology
1. Suspicious death or murder- prior to autopsy, radiographic techniques can assist the
pathologist in determining the potential cause of death and may alert them to a previously
unsuspected suspicious death.
2. Analysis of adverse medical events- during the course of hospital admission or medical
care, adverse events may occur. Radiographic imaging is an integral part of the medical
process and provides a permanent record of the patient’s condition. Specialist review of these
images in the light of autopsy findings and clinical audit can aid in the prevention of future
mishaps.
3. Legal matters- following injury or assault, radiological imaging is commonly obtained by
medical practitioners. Expert interpretation of these images may provide useful evidence in
criminal and civil jurisdiction.
4. Child abuse- radiological techniques mandatory in providing evidence of both acute and
chronic injury. Some of the findings are very specific for abuse and crucial for conviction of
culprits.
5. Drug trafficking- the deliberate ingestion or cavity insertion of drugs wrapped in materials
(known as body packing) are readily identified on CT scans and can assist law enforcement
agencies in screening suspected individuals.
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
6. Body identification- requires the securing of pre-mortem examinations e.g. CT scan or
radiographs from a suspected individual and the matching of specific anatomical details with
similar post mortem studies.
7. Disease identification- during the course of an autopsy there maybe findings that can have
consequence to the deceased family e.g. the detection of possible genetic disease. In order to
confirm such a pathological suspicion, radiographic procedures can provide confirmatory
evidence and as such lead to the deceased’s family being offered genetic screening.
Forensic radiology makes virtual autopsy a reality- in Switzerland, virtual autopsy is already
a reality. The University of Berne’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with its Institute
of Diagnostic Radiology, has performed 100 virtual autopsies, or Virtopsy, in the last three years.
Michael Thali, M.D. a board-certified forensic pathologist and project manager for Virtopsy said
“The virtual autopsy does not destroy key forensic evidence- which may be damaged during a classic
autopsy. It can also be used in cultures and situations where autopsy is not tolerated by religion,
such as in the traditional Jewish faith, or is rejected by family members. Some people do not like
the idea of autopsy.” F.
Forensic Serology- study of blood, semen, saliva, or sweat in matters pertaining to the law. The
analysis of the properties and effects of serums or body fluids is called serology. The word serology
came from the ancient Sanskrit sara meaning “to flow”. Today it is known that every fluid, which
flows in the human body can be identified: sometimes to prove the guilt of a suspected person, but
also very often to protect the innocent.
Importance of a forensic serologist. The main job functions of a forensic serologist are the
determination of the type and characteristics of blood, blood testing, bloodstain examination, and
preparation of testimony or presentations at trial, as such serologist analyzes semen, saliva, other
body fluids and may or may not be involved in DNA fingerprinting.
G. Forensic Biochemistry and Molecular Biology- the application of biochemistry and molecular
biology to the investigation of crime. The crime, however, is not limited to crime against individuals,
such as homicide, theft, fraud, and arson. Forensic biochemists and biologists are also involved in
the investigation of crime against society, such as food adulteration, environmental pollution, use
and distribution of unsafe chemicals, and dangerous working conditions. Forensic biochemistry is
very important in the identification of body fluids and their chemical composition, and in DNA
fingerprinting.
Forensic biochemist and molecular biologist are responsible for the analyses of evidentiary material
of biological origin with the aim of accomplishing the highest possible degree of human
identification. The purpose is to link an individual’s presence on a crime scene and link relevant
items containing genetic material related to crime scenes. They also attend post mortems for
evidence and present expert evidence in court.
H. Forensic Botany- analysis of plant material in both civil and criminal law enforcement. It is the
application of plant evidence to the resolution of legal questions. Plant evidence can be used to
destroy an alibi, help determine the time since death, put a suspect at a crime scene, or tell where
someone or something has been. forensic botany can help discover clandestine graves; plants
remains in the body can be helpful in establishing the time of death and what the victim ate before
death; plant residues can produce characteristic stains on clothing, the volatile amines and oils
can produce characteristic stinks and perfumes respectively, and help in chemical fingerprinting.
It is also important in identification of controlled substances such as heroin, opium and marijuana.
I. Forensic Entomology- science of using insect evidence to uncover circumstances of interest to

the law, often related to a crime. Forensic entomology is the use of insects, and their arthropod
relatives that inhabit decomposing remains to aid legal investigations. The time of death for
example, can usually be determined using insect evidence gathered from and around a corpse,
provided the evidence is properly collected, preserved and analyzed by an appropriately educated
forensic entomologist.
J. Forensic Psychology and Forensic Psychiatry- forensic psychology is the application of

science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system.
It is the application of psychological principles and knowledge to various legal activities including
child custody disputes, child abuse of an emotional, physical and sexual nature, assessing one’s
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
personal capacity to manage one’s affairs, matters of competency to stand trial, criminal
responsibility, and personal injury and advising judges in matters relating to sentencing regarding
various mitigants and the actuarial assessment of future risk.
Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry. It encompasses the interface between law and
psychiatry.
Forensic psychiatrists work with courts in evaluating an individual’s competency to stand
trial, defenses based on mental diseases or defects, and sentencing recommendations. Two
major areas in criminal psychiatry:
1. Competency to stand trial- determination that a defendant has the mental capacity to
understand the charges and assist is attorney. This is seated in the Philippine constitution,
which ensures the right to be present at his trial, to face his accusers, and to have help from
an attorney.
2. As an expert witness- forensic psychiatrists are often called to be witnesses in both
criminal and civil proceedings. Expert witnesses give their opinion about a specific issue.
Often, the forensic psychiatrist will have prepared a detailed report before testifying.
K. Forensic Toxicology- the name “forensic toxicology” implies that the science has a legal purpose
as its basis. The study and practice of application of toxicology to the purpose of law. This does not
mean that forensic toxicologists consider themselves as glorified legal assistant, but rather that
their work is performed in the interests of truth (accuracy), justice (impartiality), and the public
good. Forensic toxicology is the use of toxicology to aid medicolegal investigation of death and
poisoning. Many toxic substances do not produce characteristic lesions, so if a toxic reaction is
suspected, visual investigation may not suffice.
MODULE 2 Introduction to personal identification (dactyloscopy).

COMPETENCIES
Understand briefly what is dactyloscopy, the terms being used, principles, brief history and
personalities involved.
DISCUSSION
INTRODUCTION TO DACTYLOSCOPY (FINGER PRINT IDENTIFICATION)

Fingerprint identification is the method of identification using the impressions made by the minute
ridge formations or patterns found on the finger tips. No two persons have exactly the same
arrangement of ridge patterns, and the patterns of any one individual remain unchanged
throughout life. Fingerprints offer an infallible means of personal identification. Other personal
characteristics may change, but fingerprints do not. (FBI)
Fingerprint identification is referred to as dactyloscopy, the process of comparing questioned and
known friction skin ridge impressions from fingers, palms, and toes to determine if the impressions
are from the same finger (or palm, toe, etc.). the flexibility of friction ridge skin means that no two
finger or palm prints are ever exactly alike (never identical in every detail), even two impressions
recorded immediately one after each other. It is also referred to as individualization, occurs when
an expert determines that two friction ridge impressions originated from the same finger or palm
(or toe, sole) to the exclusion of all others.
Dactyloscopy – a branch of criminalistics that studies the structure of finger prints for the
purposes of criminal identification, registration and investigation. The process of identification by
fingerprint comparison and the classification of fingerprints.
Some terms used in dactyloscopy

Fingerprint – An impression of the friction ridges of all or any part of the finger. A friction ridge is a
raised portion of the epidermis on the palmar (palm and fingers) or plantar (sole and toes) skin,
consisting of one or more connected ridge units of friction ridge skin. These ridges are sometimes
known as "dermal ridges" or "dermal papillae".
Poroscopy- scientific study of pores.
Podoscopy- science of identification through friction ridge characteristics existing on the sole of
human foot.
Chiroscopy- science of identification through friction ridge existing on the palms.
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
Ridgeology- study of poroscopy, edgeoscopy, and the ridge characteristics for the purpose of the
positive identification of fingerprints. Edgeoscopy- study of characteristics formed by the sides or
edges of papillary ridges as a means of identification.
• Koala- one of the few mammals that have finger prints.
Dogmatic Principle of Fingerprint

1. Principle of Individuality – no two fingerprints are exactly alike. In the over 140 years that
fingerprints have been routinely compared worldwide, no two areas of friction skin on any two
persons (including identical twins) have been found to contain the same individual characteristics
in the same unit relationship.
2. Principle of Permanency – configuration and details of individual ridges remain constant and
unchanging. Fingerprint ridges are formed during the fourth month of fetal development. these
ridges consist of individual characteristics called ridge endings, bifurcations, dots and many ridge
shape variances. The unit relationship of individual characteristics does not naturally change
throughout life… until decomposition after death.
3. Principle of Infallibility – fingerprint is the most reliable means of identification.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Egypt- earliest evidence of ridge detail was seen in the 4,000-year-old mummies.
China- use of ink fingerprints on official documents, land scales, contracts, loans, and
acknowledgement of debt.
Japan- Japanese historian, Kamagusu Minakata further commented on blood stamping.
France- most famous ancient stone carving found in the L’lle de Gavrinis of the coast of France.
Nova Scotia- an outline of a hand was scratched into slate rock beside Kejiomkuji outlining the
palm and finger creases.
Babylonia- 1855-1913, finger seals were used on legal contracts identifying the author.
Palestine- Director of the Palestine Institute of Archeology, William Frederick Bade, conducted
excavations in Palestine and found finger imprints on many pieces of broken pottery. These
“identifications” permitted the confuse debris to dated accurately to the fourth century A.D.
Commenting on his case, Fingerprint magazine (1973) stated that “these impressions were
obviously intentional and no doubt, represented the workman’s individual trade mark.”
Holland and ancient China- identification by means of tattooing, branding, mutilation and
different clothing.
SOME PERSONALITIES:
1. Constantinople - In treaty ratification, sultan use sheep’s blood to imprint his hand on the
document serving as his seal.
2. Thomas Bewick (1753-1828) – A British author, naturalist and engraver became England’s finest
engraver who made fingerprint stamps.
3. Sir William J. Herschel – first European to recognize the value of friction ridge points and using
them for identification purposes.
4. Dr. J.C.A. Mayer (1788) of Germany – He published the following statements in his anatomical
atlas; although the arrangement of skin ridges is never duplicated in two persons, nevertheless the
similarities are closer among some individuals. In others the differences are marked, yet in spite of
their peculiarities of arrangement all have a certain likeness.” This deduction was published 100
years before the Konai contract.
5. Dr. Henry Faulds (1843-1930) – In 1875 Faulds had opened a missionary hospital and a year
later started a medical school in Japan where he may have been exposed to fingerprints. He wrote
a letter to Charles Darwin telling him of his studies and requesting assistance. He mentioned that
fingerprints can be classified easily and that ridge detail is unique. He pointed out the value of
fingerprints of being in “medico legal studies” and commented that photographs of people change
over the years but rugae (friction ridges) never change.
6. Thomas Taylor (1877) - A microscopist of the Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC who
also suggested that fingerprints could be used to solve crime.
7. Dr. Henry P. De Forrest - He utilized the first official municipal use of fingerprints for non-
criminal registration on December 19, 1902 in the Municipal Civil Service Commission in the City
of New York
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
8. Capt. James I. Parke – He advocated the first state and penal use of fingerprint which was
officially adopted in Sing-Sing prison on June 5, 1903 and later at Auburn, Napanoch and Clinton
Penitentiaries.
9. Sgt. Kenneth Perrier – Englishman and first fingerprint instructor at the St. Luis Police
Department, Missouri. He was one of the pupils of Sir. Edward Richard Henry and through personal
contact during the World’s Fair Exposition held in St. Luis, a fingerprint bureau was established
on April 12, 1904.
10. Mary K. Holland – first American Instructor in Dactyloscopy.
11. Harry Mayers II – In 1925, he installed the first official foot and fingerprint system for infants
at the Jewish Maternity Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, and the first system in the state.
12. Juan (Ivan) Vucetich (1855-1925) – He was employed as a statistician with the Central Police
Department at La Planta, Argentina. In July 1891, the Chief of Police assigned Vucetich to set up
a bureau of Anthropometric Identification.
13. Sir Edward Henry (1850-1931) – At the same time that Vucetich was experimenting with
fingerprinting in Argentina, another classification system was being developed in India. This system
was called “The Henry Classification System.” FINGERPRINTING IN NORTH AMERICA (1877-1900)
14. Isaiah West Taber (1880) – the photographer in San Francisco who suggested that fingerprinting
be adopted for the registration of Chinese immigrant laborers.
15. Gilbert Thompson (1882) – used his thumbprint to ensure that the amounts were not changed
or altered on payroll cheques when issuing; by putting an inked thumbprint over the amount. This
is to prevent fraudulent cheque alterations.
16. Mark Twain (1894) – An America author and lecture, Twain enhanced the position of
fingerprints when he included their use in the plot of a novel entitled Pudd’n Head Wilson. In the
novel, a bloody fingerprint is found in the murder weapon and Pudd’n Head, the defense attorney,
has the whole town fingerprinted. He lectured the court and jury on the basics of fingerprinting,
how fingerprints are immutable, and that two fingerprints will never be found to be the same. He
also commented on how identical twins can be indistinguishable in appearance, at times even by
their parents, but their fingerprints will always be different.
FINGERPRINTING IN CANADA (1904-1920)

17. Edward Foster (1863-1956) – Foster, Canadian constable of the Dominion Police attended the
world’s Fair to guard a display of gold. He attended Ferrier’s presentation at the convention and
intrigued by the possibilities that fingerprinting had to offer, he felt that a bureau would be effective
than an anthropometry bureau. He also felt that a national organization in Canada, similar to the
International Association of Chiefs of Police, would encourage cooperation among Canadian police
departments and be an ideal body to promote a national interest in fingerprinting.
Scientific Researchers
18. Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712) – Grew, English botanist, physician and micropist. In 1684 he
published a paper in the philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London describing his
observations of the “Innumerable little ridges of equal big ness on the ends of the first joints of the
fingers.” He described sweat pores, epidermal ridges, and their various arrangements. Included in
his paper was a drawing of the configurations of the hand displaying the ridge flow on the fingers
and palms.
19. Govard Bidloo (1685) – Bidloo, anatomist in Amsterdam, Holland, published a book on human
anatomy illustrating friction ridges and pore structure on the underside of the fingers. His
comments were morphological in nature and he did not refer to or mentioned the individuality of
friction ridges.
20. Marcello Malpighi (1628-1694) – A professor in 1685 at the University of Bologna, Italy,
published the results of his examination of the friction skin with the newly invented microscope.
He has been credited with being the first to use a microscope in medical studies. His paper dealt
mainly with the function, form, and structure of the friction skin as a tactile organ, and its use in
the enhancement of traction for walking and grasping. He was known as the “Grandfather of
Dactyloscopy” according to Dr. Edmond Locard, the “Father of Poroscopy.” He originated the terms
“loops and spirals.”
21. JCA Mayer (1788) – A German doctor and anatomist whose paper on fingerprint clearly
addressed the individuality of the friction ridges.
22. Johannes (Jean) Evangelista Purkinje (1787-1869) – A professor at the University of Breslau,
Germany, published a thesis that contained his studies on the eye, fingerprints and other skin
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
features entitled, “Commentatio de Examine Phisiologico Organi Visus et Systematis.” He classified
nine principal configuration groups of fingerprints and assigned each a name he was known as the
“Father of Dactyloscopy.”
23. Arthur Kollman (1883) – The first researcher to address the formation of friction ridges in
embryos and the topographical physical stressors that may have been part of their growth. He
identified the presence and locations of the valor pads of the human hand and foot.
24. H. Klaatsch (1888) – German who examined the walking pads and eminences of several
pentadactylous of five fingered mammals. He was credited being the first researcher to examine the
walking surface of other mammals. He also referred to the arrangement of the fundamental limits
of the friction ridges as the reason why all ridge formations are different.
25. David Hepburn (1895) – He is connected with the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, published
a paper on the similarity in appearance of the eminences or walking surfaces of primates entitled,
“The Papilliary Ridges on the Hands and feet of monkeys and men.” He was the first to recognized
that ridges assist gripping by creating friction and that they had a function other increasing tactile
stimulus.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND – PHILIPPINE SETTING

26. Mr. Jones was the first to teach fingerprints in the Philippine Constabulary sometime in the
year 1900. The Bureau of Prisons in the year 1918, records show that the fingerprints already
existed in the “carpetas”.
27. L. Asa N. Darby, under his management during the re-occupation of the Philippines by the
American Forces, a modern and complete Fingerprint File has been establishment in the Philippine
Commonwealth.
28. Mr. Genoroso Reyes was the first Filipino Fingerprint Technician employed by the Philippine
Constabulary.
29. Capt. Thomas Dugan of New York City Police Department and Mr. Flaviano G. Guerrero of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, gave the first examinations for fingerprint in 1937.
Plaridel Educational Institution (PEI), now the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCr), Manila is
the first governmental recognized school to teach the science of fingerprints and other police
sciences.
MODULE 3 Introduction to forensic ballistics

COMPETENCIES
To understand briefly what is forensic ballistics. Distinguish forensic ballistics and ballistics.
Understand briefly its history and meet some personalities.
DISCUSSION
Forensic ballistics- the science of analyzing firearm usage in crimes, involving analysis of bullets
and bullet impacts to determine the type and caliber of the firearm fired.
Forensic- Latin word “forum” meaning the market place because this is where judicial trials were
carried out in Roman times, or it means debatable, argumentation in relation to the court of justice.
Ballistics- the science of the travel of a projectile in flight. The science that deals with the motion,
behavior, and effects of projectiles, especially bullets, gravity bombs, rockets, etc. The science or
art of designing and hurling projectiles so as to achieve a desired performance. The term ballistics
came from the Greek word “ballo” or “Ballein” meaning “to throw”. Another the Latin word “ballista”
which was an early Roman war machine that is used to hunt games or is used against their
enemies.
Firearms identification- science of identifying the imperfections or irregularities of firearms and

matching the marks they put on bullets and cartridge cases fired through them. Thus, it is
sometimes called ballistic fingerprinting. Others prefer to use alternative descriptions such as
ballistics matching and tool-mark analysis.
R.A. No. 10591- Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act The law governing the
use of firearms and ammunitions in the Philippines.
Firearm- any handheld or portable weapon, whether a small arm or light weapon, that expel a
bullet, shot, slug, missile or any projectile, which is discharged by means of expansive force of gases
from burning gun powder. A firearm is a weapon that fires either single or multiple projectiles
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
propelled at high velocity by the gases produced through rapid, confined burning of a propellant.
This process of rapid burning is technically known as deflagration. In older firearms, this propellant
was typically black powder, but modern firearms use smokeless powder, cordite, or other
propellants. Most modern firearm (with notable exemption of smoothbore shotguns) have rifled
barrels to impart spin to the projectile for improved flight stability.
A. Long arms or shoulder arms
1. Rifle- rifled barrel designed to be fired from the shoulder. consists of a series of helical
grooves within the bore of a firearm which impart spin to the bullet providing more stability.
2. Musket- an infantry weapon with long smooth bore that is designated to propel a single
shot.
3. Shotguns- similar in appearance to rifles but lack rifling inside the barrel with a smooth
bore only.
4. Carbine- a short barreled riffle (22 inches) designed to fire a single shot.
B. Hand arms or short arms
1. Pistol- a hand gun that is magazine fed. Invented in the Italian town Pistoi (Kolibri- known
as the smallest pistol, an auto pistol, caliber 2.7 mm made in 1914).
2. Revolver- a hand gun having a rotating cylinder containing chambers designed to position
a cartridge.
Miscellaneous types of fire arms
1. Air gun- firearms which use pneumatic pressure to fire projectiles.
2. Home-made firearms- (“paltik”- Filipino word meaning home-made gun/s)- these are
firearms that are unlawfully made by individuals.
3. Sawed-off rifles- new group of weapons for hunting big game and long-range target
competition.
4. Cell-phone guns- special type of guns that look like regular cellphones but beneath is a
.22 pistol capable of firing 4 rounds in quick succession by pressing a series of numbers.
Earlier versions are called freakish guns: cane guns and knife guns.
5. Flare guns- designed to launch tracer missiles or flares sending signals about specific
location.
6. Paradox gun- special type of shotgun that has rifling at the last few inches of the barrel
near the muzzle.
Ammunition- general term applied to metallic cartridges and shot shells used in firearms. Any
unfired assembly of primer, powder and ball which is used in a firearm. Projectile- an object that
can be launched, such as bullet, artillery shell or rocket. It could be a metallic or non-metallic
object propelled from a firearm.
Propellant- an explosive charge that projects a bullet from a gun. Rifling- spiral lands and grooves
at the bore of a gun barrel.
Lands- raised portion of the rifling that is responsible in engraving marks (striations) to the bullet,
slug or projectile.
Grooves- depressed part of the rifling.
Branches of ballistics
1. Internal ballistics- also called initial ballistics, deals with the motion of a projectile while it is still
inside the gun.
2. Transitional ballistics- also known as intermediate ballistics. The study of a projectile’s behavior
from the time it leaves the muzzle until the pressure behind the projectile is equalized.
3. External ballistics- deal with the motion of the projectile from the gun until it reaches the target.
4. Terminal ballistics- effect of the projectile on the target.
ORIGIN OF FIREARMS
The development of firearms followed the invention of gun powder in Western Europe way back
13th century. Although, gun powder was first invented by the Chinese by using it as a propellant
long before it was recognized in Europe. It may also be assumed the Arabs with their advance
knowledge of chemistry at that time. German monk, Berthold Schwartz and English monk, Roger
Bacon are both credited with gunpowder invention. However, reference books credit Bacon with the
invention of gunpowder in 1248 while Schwartz, with the application of gun powder in propelling a
missile in the early 1300’s. The Moors used artillery against Zamora in 1118 and in 1245 Gen Batu,
a tartar leader also used artillery in Liegnitz defeating the Poles, Hungarians, and Russians. Another
early recorded use of firearm in war was an attack on Seville, Spain in 1247. King Edward III of
VISION MISSION

DIFFUN CAMPUS
England and Crecy used cannons in 1353. Mohammad II of Turkey in 1353 in his famous conquest
of the Constantinople.
IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARMS HISTORY

1245- 1st use of artillery by Gen. Batu
1247- earliest recorded use of firearm was an attack on Seville, Spain
1313- gunpowder as propellant was developed and used in propulsion of projectiles.
1350- gunpowder used as propellant to small arms until 14th century
1498- general recognition of the use of rifling 1575- development of paper cartridge 1807- Forsyth
developed percussion system
1835- Samuel Colt patented the first practical revolver in which the cylinder rotates by cocking the
hammer
1836- Monsieur Le Faucheux developed pin-fire cartridge, the 1st self-loading cartridge.
1845- Flobert of France developed rim-fire cartridge 1858- Morse developed center-fire cartridge
1884- Hiram Maxim built the 1st automatic machine gun utilizing the recoil of the piece to load
and fire the next charge.
1885- Vieille of France developed smokeless powder giving birth to the 1st satisfactory powerful
smokeless propellant.
PERSONALITIES
a. Col. Calvin Hooker Goddard- Father of modern ballistics
b. Horace Smith- founded the Smith and Wesson firm and pioneered the making of breech-loading
rifles
c. Daniel B. Wesson- associate partner of smith in revolver making
d. John M. Browning- Wizard of modern firearm, pioneered the breach-loading single shot rifle
e. John T. Thompson- pioneered the making of Thompson submachine gun
f. David “Carbine” Williams- maker of the first known carbine
g. Alexander John Forsyth- Father of percussion ignition
h. Elisha King Root- designed the machinery for making Colt firearms
i. Eliphalet Remington- one of the first rifle maker
j. John Mahlon Marlin- founder of Marlin Firearms Company
k. James Wolf Ripley- stimulated the development of the Model 1855 rifle-musket
l. Samuel Colt- produced the first practical revolver
m. Henry Deringer- gave his name to a whole class of firearm (rifles and pistols)
n. John C. Garand- designed and invented the semi-automatic US rifle, caliber .30, M1
o. Oliver F. Winchester- one of the earliest rifle and pistol maker
p. Benjamin Robbins- Father of Modern gunnery. The first to undergo a systematic series of
experiments to determine the velocity of a firearm.
q. Hans Gross- professor who used the word criminalistics and used in solving crimes.
r. Edmond Locard- one who said that in the commission of a crime a suspect always leaves a part
of him on the victim and on the crime scene.
s. Alexander Lacassagne- Prof. Univ. of Lyon, France, the first who try to individualize bullets from
a gun barrel based simply on the lands and grooves markings.
t. Paul Jeserich- the first to fire suspected gun in order to determine whether the same was used
in the commission of crime.
u. Michael Kalashnikov- Russian engineer and famous gun designer, born on November 10, 1919
working in the train depot as mechanist.
v. Lt. Col. Patrick Ferguson- British army rifle designer
w. Uziel Gal- inventor of Uzi machine gun in 1950’s and used by the Israeli army for the first time
in 1956
x. Eugene Stoner- the developer and designer of the known Philippine Army’s firearm, M16 rifle
References
Ng, P.P., Po, P.U. (2007). Forensic science. Philippine College of Medical Researchers Foundation
Inc., 1329 Prudencio St., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
Saferstein, R. (2015). Criminalistics an Introduction to Forensic Science
VISION MISSION

GE7 Prelims 2021

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

GE7 Prelims 2021

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GE7 Prelims 2021

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY

SELF – PACED LEARNING MODULE

GE 7 (GENERAL EDUCATION 7: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY)

AZZALEYAH ZUEN H. TOLENTINO

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Some personalities in forensic science

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Some related sciences that are helpful in law enforcement

B. Forensic Identification- application of forensic science and technology to identify specific

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

E. Forensic Radiology- specialized are of medical imaging utilizing radiological techniques to

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

I. Forensic Entomology- science of using insect evidence to uncover circumstances of interest to

J. Forensic Psychology and Forensic Psychiatry- forensic psychology is the application of

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

MODULE 2 Introduction to personal identification (dactyloscopy).

INTRODUCTION TO DACTYLOSCOPY (FINGER PRINT IDENTIFICATION)

Some terms used in dactyloscopy

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Dogmatic Principle of Fingerprint

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

FINGERPRINTING IN CANADA (1904-1920)

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND – PHILIPPINE SETTING

MODULE 3 Introduction to forensic ballistics

Firearms identification- science of identifying the imperfections or irregularities of firearms and

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARMS HISTORY

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

You might also like