FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

[Link] examination of explosives and/or explosive ingredients

(Forensic 3) (Presidential Decree 1866).
3. Conduct examination of firearms and paraffin casts to detect
Samantha G. Achero, RCrim the presence of gunpowder nitrates or gunpowder residue (GPR).
Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Specialist [Link] gunpowder examination of clothing to verify possible
gunshot distance .
“ In every contact leaves a trace” 5. Conduct chemico-toxicological examination of human internal
organs, gastric contents, blood water, food samples, and other
Definition of terms: substances.
FORENSIC SCIENCE- is the application of scientific principles to 6. Conduct examination of fake products in case of unfair trade
matters involving the law. competition (e.g., bleach, cement, cigarette, beer or liquor brands,
etc.)
Dr. Edmund Locard (Father of Modern Forensic) 7. Conduct blood alcohol determination
8. Examine urine and other bodily fluids for the presence of dangerous
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY -branch of chemistry which deals with the drugs.
application of chemical principles in the solution of problems that arise 9. Conduct research and training related to the cases being examined.
in connection with the administration of justices. 10. Deliver lectures on forensic chemistry and toxicology to police and
military training centers, investigative units schools, and universities.
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE 11. Testify and provide expert opinion in court as well as court duty as
-Are articles and materials which are found in connection an expert witness.
with an investigation and which aid in establishing the identity of the 12. Respond to queries of all investigative units and render expert
perpetrator of the circumstances under which the crime was committed opinion regarding matters related to the application of chemical
or which in general assist in the prosecution of the criminal. principles, for the purpose of assisting investigators in developing
investigative leads
[Link] field laboratory work and clandestine laboratory
FOUR STAGES IN THE PRACTICE OF FORENSIC CHEMISTRY investigation.
1. Collection or reception of specimen to be examined;
• Sufficiency of samples
• Standard for comparison THE FORENSIC CHEMIST AS AN EXPERT WITNESS IN COURT
• Maintenance of individuality A forensic chemist can be called in as an expert witness in a
• Labeling and sealing court of law by virtue of the following qualifications:
2. Actual examination;
3. Communication of results of examination; and 1. EDUCATION - one must be a licensed/registered chemist,
4. Court appearance preferably with a Master's or Ph.D. degree
2. TRAINING-one must have undergone trainings and seminars in the
GOLDEN RULES IN THE PRACTICE OF FORENSIC CHEMISTRY field of forensics, and must be updated in the training of forensic
1. GO SLOWLY chemistry procedures in and outside the country
2. BE THOROUGH 3. EXPERIENCE - one must have hands-on experience involving
3. TAKE NOTES laboratory procedures and must know how to answer court
4. CONSULT OTHERS inquiries about chemistry principles during court presentation
5. USE IMAGINATION
6. AVOID COMPLICATED THEORIES Distinction of an Ordinary Witness to an Expert Witness

“What to do to preserve the integrity of the evidence?”

Ordinary Witness Expert Witness
-CHAIN OF CUSTODY 1. Can only state what his 1. Can state what he has
The chain of custody refers to a written record of all the senses have perceived perceived and give his opinion,
individuals who maintained unbroken control over certain items of deduction or conclusion to his
evidence collected from a crime scene. perception.
2. May not be skilled on the line 2. Must be skilled in the art,
The so-called "chain of custody" aims to establish several things: he is testifying science or trade he is testifying
• The date and time at which the evidence was handled; 3. Cannot testify on things or fact [Link] testify on things which he
• Those who had contact with the evidence; he has not perceived has not seen by giving his
• What changes, if any, were made in the evidence; and opinions, deductions or
• The circumstances under which the evidence was handled conclusion on the statement of
facts.

FORENSIC CHEMIST Physical Evidence

-Refers to any material objects introduced in a trial for the
The practice of forensic chemistry in the Philippines, similar purpose of proving a fact in issue based on its demonstrable physical
to other chemistry practices, is covered by Republic Act No 754. Also characteristics.
known as the Chemistry Law. This was enacted on June 18, 1952.
Note: the most common type of physical evidence is: Tracing
The Chemistry Law clearly states that a Registered Chemist Evidence
is any person who is engaged in the professional practice of chemistry, Several Types of Physical Evidences:
and is duly registered with the Board of Chemistry and the A. Body Fluids
Professional Regulation Commission to undertake the professional B. DNA
practice of chemistry. C. Impressions
D. Weapons
E. Dirt, Soil, Glass, Paint
FUNCTIONS OF A FORENSIC CHEMIST
BODY FLUIDS
1. Conduct qualitative and quantitative examination of dangerous
drugs as well as volatile substances (Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002 or R.A. 9165 & Presidential Decree 1619).
1
Serology - is a branch of science that deals with the determination of 1. BENZIDINE TEST (ADLER’S TEST)
the type and characteristics of blood, blood testing, and the Developed in 1904 by Oskar and Rudolf Adler.
examination of bloodstain, semen, saliva, and other body fluids. -This is an extremely sensitive test that can be applied to
minute stain. The Benzidine test never fails to detect blood even
BLOOD when very old, decomposed stain with all shorts of contamination is
-Blood has been called the circulating tissue of the body. examined.
POSITIVE RESULTS: Intense blue color produced immediately
COMPOSITION OF BLOOD LIMITATION: Positive results maybe obtained from substances as
(45%) solid materials consisting of cells namely: sputum, pus, nasal secretion, plant juices, formalin, clay, gun. The
A. Red Blood Cells or RBC (ERYTHROCYTES) reaction is weaker and produces faint coloration.
-around 4 - 5 millions of red cell per cc. of blood.
-Red blood cells carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of
”Benzidine test has the sensitivity up to 1:300,000 dilution.”
our bodies.

2. PHENOLPHTALEIN TEST (Kastle-Meyer Test)

B. White Blood Cells or WBC (LEUKOCYTES).
This is an alternative test to benzidine test. A positive results with
-attacks and destroys harmful microorganism and thus
this test is highly indicative of blood. The negative result is, therefore,
serve as one of the body’s defenses against infections.
valuable and is conclusive as to the absence of blood.
POSITIVE RESULT: Rose color develops or deep pink color or
C. Blood Platelets (THROMBOCYTES).
permanganate color.
-Their primary function is to prevent and stop bleeding. If a
LIMITATION: Test is also given by copper salts, potatoes
blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to platelets
and horseradish.
which cause them to travel to the injured area.

(55%) PLASMA – The fluid or liquid portion of blood where the cells “It can detect blood in a dilution of 1:80,000,000 parts.”
are suspended. It is principally composed of:
A. Water ---- 90% 3. GUAIACUM TEST (Van Deen’s or Schonbem’s Test)
B. Solid ----- 10% ( largely protein in nature and consist of It may not react to very old stains.
albumen, several globulin’s and fibrinogen. POSITIVE RESULTS: Beautiful blue color that appears
immediately.
ALBUMINS- the most plentiful of the blood proteins. LIMITATION: The test also reacts with salvia, pus, bile, milk, rust, iron
GLOBULINS- broad category of blood proteins that salts, cheese, gluten, potatoes, perspiration and other oxidizing
help transport fats throughout the body and substances.
help fight infections.
FIBRINOGENS- helps the clotting of the blood.
“A fairly delicate test showing the presence of fresh blood in a solution
of 1:50,000 dilution.”
SERUM is a straw - yellow liquid formed when clotted blood is allowed
to stand for sometime and the clot contracts. 4. LEUCOMALACHITE GREEN TEST
This is a test not as sensitive as the benzidine test
POSITIVE RESULTS: Malachite green with bluish green or
BLOOD as Evidence:
peacock-blue color
• As circumstantial or corroborative evidence against or in favor of
perpetrator
• For disputed parentage 5. LUMINOUS TEST
• Determination of cause of death length of time victim survived attack. Luminol test is extremely sensitive test. Luminol is known to
• Determination of direction of escape of victim or assailant. destroy many important blood factors necessary for the forensic
• Determination of origin of flow of blood. characterization of blood, so its use should be limited only to
• Determination of approximate time crime was committed. seeking out blood invisible to the naked eye.
It is capable of detecting bloodstains diluted up to 10,000X.
BLOOD COLLECTION
FLUID BLOODS are usually collected from victims of crimes of THE CONFIRMATORY TEST FOR BLOOD
violence, parent and child in case of disputed parentage. The actual proof that stain is blood consists of establishing the
presence of the characteristic of the red blood cells of the blood.
DRIED BLOOD OR BLOOD STAINS are collected from smooth
surface like walls, finished floors, table tops, hard surface like axe,
1. MICROSCOPIC TEST
hammer, knives, stones, crowbars, glazed surface like glass, tiles,
-Useful for the demonstration of blood corpuscles for making
automobiles, bulky objects like blackboard, linoleum
the distinction between mammalian, avian, piscine, and reptilian blood
sheets, doors, window frames, clothing, and blood absorbed by
and for the investigation of menstrual, lochial and nasal charges. In
the soil
short it differentiates mammalian, avian, piscine and reptilian blood.

BLOOD EXAMINATION Species Appearance of blood Corpuscles

• PRELIMINARY TEST - determine whether the stain contains blood Mammals Circular, biconcave disc without a nucleus
or another substance. Determines whether visible stains do or do not Fishes, reptiles and Oval and nucleated, the nucleus is also oval
contain blood. It is used to demonstrate the presence of blood. amphibious animals
• CONFIRMATORY TEST - determines whether bloodstain really
contains blood. Test that positively identifies blood. 2. MICROCHEMICAL TEST
• PRECIPITIN TEST- determines whether blood is a human or non- (MICROCRYSTALLINE TEST)
human origin, and if non human, the specific animal family from which A. HEMOCHROMOGEN CRYSTAL OR TAKAYAMA TEST:
it originated. -Crystals varying from salmon color to dark brown and
• BLOOD GROUPING TEST - determines the blood group of pink and which are irregular rhomboids or in clusters, may be
human seen. This test is positive to any substance containing hemoglobin.

THE PRELIMINARY TEST FOR BLOOD (COLOR TEST) (Chemical B. TEICHMANN'S BLOOD CRYSTALS OR HEMIN CRYSTALS
Examinations) TEST
-Dark brown rhombic prisms of chloride of hematin are
2
formed. This is considered as the best of the micro-chemical test. THREE CATEGORIES OF BLOODSTAINS
1. Passive bloodstains - these are drops created or formed by the force
of gravity acting alone.
Blood type You can give blood You can receive
 Drip
to blood from  Drop
A+ A+, AB+ A+, A-, O+, O-  Pool
O+ O+, A+, B+, AB+ O+, O- 2. Transfer - created when wet and bloody surface comes in contact
B+ B+, AB+ B+, B-, O+, O- with a secondary surface.
AB+ AB+ Everyone  Smudge
A- A+, A-, AB+, AB- A-, O-
O- Everyone O-
 Contact Bleeding
B- B+, B-, AB+, AB- B-, O-  Wipe
AB- AB+, AB- AB-, A-, B-, O-  Swipe or smear
3. Projected
C. ACETONE-HAEMIN OF WAGENHAAR TEST
SEMEN
- When examined under high power microscope, small
The semen is the viscid, albuminous fluid with faint grayish yellow
dark, dichroic acicular crystals of acetone-haemin are seen.
color, having the characteristic fishy odor, and containing
spermatozoa, epithelial cells, lecithin bodies and other substances
3. SPECTROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
is the almost delicate and reliable test for the determination of the
Spermatozoon is a living organism, normally present in the seminal
presence of blood in both old recent stains. This is performed by
fluid consisting of a head, neck and tail. It is from 50 to 55 microns in
means of an optical instrument known as SPECTROSCOPE.
length.

4. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OF BLOOD

GROSS EXAMINATIONS:
1. SOLUBILITY TEST: Recent blood shed is soluble in saline
a. Inspection by means of the naked eye or with the use of the hand
solution and imparts a bright red color. Stains which have been
lens:
exposed to air become dry; hemoglobin is transformed to meth-
b. Inspection by means of Ultraviolet light:
hemoglobin or hematin. If the stain has been kept in damp places for a
long time; hemoglobin is transformed to hematin.
MICRO-CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS:
2. HEAT TEST: Solution of the blood stain when heated will
a. FLORENCE TEST
impart a muddy precipitate.
Place the preparation under the microscope and if semen is
3. LUMINESCENCE TEST: Stains on dark fabric mixed with mud,
present, a group of crystals appears similar in color and in shape as
paint, etc. emit bluish white luminescence in a dark room
the hemin, but larger in size. The crystals are dark brown, in clusters,
rosettes, crossing over the microscopic field.
4. BIOLOGIC EXAMINATIONS OF BLOOD B. BARBERIO'S TEST:
THE PRECIPITIN TEST The preparation is placed under the microscope and needle shape
- It is the standard test used to determine whether the crystals with yellow color is produced. Some allege that this test is
stain/blood is of human or animal origin specific for spermatic fluid. The reaction probably depends-on the
POSITIVE RESULT: A white cloudy line or ring or band at presence of spermatic secretion.
C. PURAMEN REACTION:
Parental blood Child’s blood A and A A or O When examined microscopically, the precipitate is found to consist
groups group of small cross-like crystals of a characteristic shape. Puramen
A and B O or A or B or AB reaction is found to be very reliable and rather characteristic of
O and O O seminal fluid.
A and AB A or B or AB
O and A O or A ACID PHOSPHATASE TEST:
B and B O or B PROCEDURE:
O and B O or B There are three glass slides placed side by side on top of a white
B and AB B or A or AB
paper.
O and AB A or B
AB and AB A or B or AB Slide one (1) is the negative control with filter paper.
Slide two (2) is the positive control with filtered paper
the contact points of the fluid that appears immediately or impregnated with seminal stain.
within one or two minutes. Slide three (3) is with the suspected material.
LIMITATION: The precipitin reacts not only with blood To each is added a drop of buffer solution followed by a drop of the
proteins but also with other body proteins as those as saliva, substrate solution and finally a drop of the diazonium salt in solution.
semen, mucus and other body fluids. RESULT
The negative control 1 will remain yellow;
5. BLOOD GROUPING TEST Slide two with known seminal stain will turn deep purple immediately;
Slide three will also become deep purple if semen is present but will
have no change in color if semen is absent. The test is conclusive of
THE FOUR BLOOD GROUPS: Type O, A, B, AB the presence of semen.

Characteristics of blood pattern: MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS

A. Surface texture - the harder and less porous the surface, the lesser The presence of a complete spermatozoon will undoubtedly infer the
spatter result. presence of seminal fluid, although semen may be present
B. The direction of travel of blood striking an object may be discerned without spermatozoa, such as in cases of aspermia (semen
by the stain’s shape. Pointed end of a bloodstain always faces its without spermatozoa) or oligospermia (semen with few
direction of travel. spermatozoa).
C. Angle of impact can be determined by measuring the degree of
circular distortion of the stain. BIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS:
D. Origin of blood spatter in a two dimensional configuration can be PRECIPITIN TEST (BIOLOGICAL TEST OF FARNUM):
established by drawing straight lines through the long axis of several This is a test to determine whether the semen is of human origin or not.
individual bloodstains. The intersection or point of convergence of the This is used for the test of unknown semen in the same way as blood
lines represents the point from which the blood emanated.

3
precipitin is done. and charcoal (15%).
b. Smokeless Powder — It may be: (1) Single Base — When it
contains either cellulose nitrate or nitroglycerine. (2) Double Base —
COLLECTION, PRESERVATION, PACKING AND TRANSIT OF
When the powder is composed of both cellulose nitrate and
SPECIMEN
nitroglycerine.
• Seizure of apparel must be done as soon as possible.
c. Semi-smokeless Powder — This is a mixture of 80% of
• In packaging of wearing appearel there should be no friction
black and 20% of the smokeless powder. Smokeless powder causes
between the apparel and the stain.
development of less flame and less powder residue as compared with
• Specimen should not be rolled for transit.
black powder. There is more complete burning of gunpowder in
• Smaller objects like hair should be placed in a test tube and corked.
smokeless as compared with the black powder.
• Specimen should be thoroughly dried before packing.
• Fluid semen should be placed in a test tube. It maybe
preserved by a few drops of 10% solution of formalin during hot Gunshot Wound (GSW)
weather. It is an open wound produced by the penetration of bullet slug within
Note: Non-motile sperm can still be collected from a living female for the tissues of the body. The bullet which was propelled from the
up to three to six days. gun as well as the flame from the heated expanded gases in short
range fire is the one that produces injury.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
- is a molecule that contains all the genetic information used in the
Generally, distance of the muzzle of the gun to the target is
development and functioning of all known viruses and living organism.
classified into 3:
1. Contact - gun muzzle pressed against, or within an inch or two, of
DNA in Forensic
the body.
- DNA can be found in Semen, Skin, Blood, Saliva, or Hair found at the
2. Close discharge - 6 inches to 2 ft.
crime scene. This process is called DNA profiling or “genetic
3. Distance Discharge - over 2 ft. or 3 ft.
fingerprinting”.

Methods of DNA Profiling: Classification of Gunshot Distance:

1. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis - Burning (direct)
2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Analysis - Singeing (1 to 2 inches)
3. Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Analysis - Smudging (2 to 8 inches)
4. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AmpFLP) Analysis - Tattooing (8 to 18 inches)

DRUGS DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN GUNSHOT WOUND OF

- is a chemical substance that brings about physical, ENTRANCE AND WOUND OF EXIT
physiological, behavioral and/or psychological changes in the person
taking it.
Characteristics Entrance Wound Exit Wound
METHODS Of DRUG EXAMINATION Size and Shape Smaller and more Larger and Irregular
A. Qualitative examination regular
B. Quantitave examination Baveling Inward Outward

Steps in Conducting Qualitative Analysis Other Entrance Hole Characteristics:

1. Physical Test - Angled Bullet Entrance Hole
2. Chemical or Color Test - Contact Fires
a. Simon Test = Blue (Meth) - Grazing Bullet Hole
b. Marquis Test = Orange to brown (Meth)
c. Duquenois-Levin = Violet (Cannabis) POSSIBLE LOCATION OF NITRATES WHEN BLACK POWDER
d. Fast Blue B Salt = Purple Red (Cannabis) EXPLODES
3. Confirmatory Test • Residue of the barrel of the gun.
a. Chromatography • In or around the wound
b. Spectroscopy • On the clothing of the fired upon at close range
c. Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy • On the exposed surface of the hand of the person firing the gun
d. Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy
DETERMINING PRESENCE OF GUNPOWDER
Examination of Urine Specimen for Drug Usage
Paraffin test - test performed to extract the nitrates embedded in the
Drugs Window of Drug Detection in Urine skin.
Marijuana 2 days to 3 weeks Diphenylamine Test or DPA Test (Dermal nitrate test, DPA,
Methamphetamine 2 to 3 days Lung’s Test, Gonzales Tests) - a test that determines the
presence and location of nitrate, chemical needed is
FORMS OF SPECIMEN TAMPERING diphenylamine reagent. Test to determine the presence of
1. Dilution nitrates, a test to determine whether a person fired a gun or not.
a. Internal Discovered by: Teodoro Gonzalez of the Mexico City
b. External
2. Substitution
3. Adulteration POSSIBILITIES THAT A PERSON MAYBE FOUND NEGATIVE FOR
NITRATES EVEN IF HE ACTUALLY FIRED A GUN
GUNPOWDER AND EXPLOSIVES • Length of the Barrel
GUNPOWDER OR PROPELLANT: The propellant is the • Direction of Firing
primary propulsive force in a cartridge which when exploded will cause • Wind velocity
the bullet to be driven forward towards the gun muzzle. • Type of Caliber Ammunition
• Use of gloves
• Knowledge of chemicals that will remove the nitrates
THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWDER PROPELLANT • Age of gun/ efficiency of mechanism
USED • Humidity/percent of moisture in the air
a. Black Powder — A mixture of potassium nitrate (75%), sulfur (10%) • Passage of 72 Hours

4
 THE REGION OF THE BODY FROM WHICH THE
HAIR and TEXTILE FIBERS HUMAN HAIR HAS BEEN REMOVED
Hair is a specialized epithelial outgrowth of the skin which occur • Scalp hair - they are more mature than any other kind of human hair
everywhere on the human body except on the palm of the hands and • Beard Hair - coarse, curved, very stiff, and often triangular in cross
the sole of the feet. Hair is not completely round but maybe oval section
flattened. Its width is not always the same along its length. It starts out • Hairs from eyebrow, eyelid, nose and ear-short, stubby, and
pointed and narrow and then strays more or less the same. have wide medulla. Eyebrow and eyelashes are usually very short
and has a sharp and has a sharp tip.
• Trunk hair - very in thickness along the shaft and are immature but
PARTS OF HAIR
are somewhat similar to head hairs. They have fine, long tip ends.
• Limb hair - similar to trunk hairs but usually are not so long or so
• ROOTS -portion embedded in the skin
coarse and usually contain less pigment.
• SHAFT -portion above the surface of the [Link] most
• Axillary Hair - is fairly long unevenly distributed pigment. They vary
DISTINCTIVE part of the hair.
considerably in diameter along the shaft and have frequently a
• TIP - sometimes termed point. The distal end of an uncut hair.
bleached appearance. It has an irregular shape and structure. Looks
like public hair but the ends are shaper and the hair is not so curly.
PARTS OF SHAFT • Pubic hair-similar to axillary hair but are coarser, and do not appear
bleached. More wiry, have more constriction and twist and usually have
• CUTICLE ( outermost covering of the hair. It is consist of one layer of continuous broad medulla. Has many broken ends the clotting rubs.
non-nucleated polygonal cells, which overlaps like the scales on a fish.
• CORTEX ( the intermediate and the THICKEST layer of the and
FIBER
is composed of elongated, spindle-shaped fibrils which cohere.
Also known as filament is the smallest unit that forms the basis of a
They contain pigment granules in varying proportion depending on the
textile yarn.
type of hair.
 Animal Fiber
• MEDULLA OR CORE ( the most characteristics portion of the hair. It
 Vegetable Fiber
is the central canal of the hair that maybe empty or may contain
various sots of cells more or less pigmented and begins more and less
near the root. THE VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL FIBERS MAY BE
• Take Note: Certain hair has no medulla. Therefore hair can be DIFFERENTIATED AS FOLLOWS:
classified into two categories namely a) hair without medulla b) hair
with medulla. 1. Ignition test:
a. Animal fibers — Burn and fuse; smell of burnt hair, fused
and globular; fume turns red litmus to blue.
EXAMINATION OF HUMAN HAIR
b. Vegetable fibers — Rapid combustion, end charred and
• Color
break sharply; smell of burning wood; vapor turns blue litmus
• Melanin (brownish-black pigment in hair, skin, etc. it is the chemical
to red.
responsible for the color of the hair. Black and brown hair differs
2. Chemical tests: Use of concentrated nitric acid:
only to the amount of melanin.
a. Animal fibers — Turn yellow.
• Length by actual measurement
b. Vegetable fibers — No change in color.
• Character of hair whether stiff, wiry or soft
3. Picric acid test:
• Width (breadth)
a. Wool and silk — Yellow.
• Character of hair tip if present
b. Cellulose — No change.
• Manner by which hair had been cut
4. Millon's Reagent test:
• Condition of root or base or bulb of hair
a. Wool and silk — Turn brown.
HAIR ROOT
b. Cellulose fibers — Turn black.
• Living Root – often found on hair in full growth
5. Soaked in tannic acid:
• Dry Roots – dead roots
a. Wool and silk — No change.
b. Cellulose fibers — Black.
THE MEDULLA 6. Heated with 10% NaOH:
The diameter of the medulla is very little importance but the a. Wool and silk — Dissolve.
relationship between the diameter of the medulla and the diameter of b. Cellulose — Not affected.
the whole hair his of great importance
• MEDULLARY INDEX or M.I (is the relationship between the diameter
GLASS AND GLASS FRAGMENTS
of the medulla and the diameter of the whole hair. Its determination is
AND FRACTURES
performed under a microscope with micrometer eyepiece.
• HAIR WITH NARROW MEDULLA (less the 0.5) ( belongs to human
What is GLASS?
• HAIR WITH MEDIUM MEDULLA (approximate 0.5) (belongs to hair of
Glass is a super cooled liquid that possess high viscosity and
cow, horse, others.
rigidity. It is a non-crystalline inorganic substance.
• HAIR WITH THICK MEDULLA (greater than 0.5) ( almost all animals
belong to this
ANALYSIS/TEST FOR GLASS
SPECTROGRAPHIC TEST - an instrumental method of analysis that
COMPARISON BETWEEN HUMAN AND ANIMAL HAIR
determines the presence of trace element. Shows the constituent
HUMAN
elements of a glass. It will not give sufficient information to establish
• M.I. is less than 0.5
the origin of the samples examined. A rapid examination and an
• Medulla may not be present
adequate method for glass analysis since it requires only a small
• Scale pattern is fine and each one overlaps the other more than 4/5
amount of sample.
• Pigment granules are fine
X-RAY DIFFRACTION ANALYSIS - not as effective as the
ANIMAL
spectrographic analysis. Determines the type of pattern of glass.
• M.I more than 0.5
The type of pattern depends upon the composition of glass.
• Medulla always present
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES EXAMINATION - the most sensitive method
• Scale is coarse and overlaps less than ½
of determining differences of composition in glass samples and it
• Pigment granules are coarse
depends upon the study of the physical properties of glass. Properties
like specific gravity or density, refractive index.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT EXAMINATION - determines the differences

5
in the appearance of their fluorescence thus indication of physical 3 Kinds:
and chemical differences. 1. Patent
POLISH MARKS - optical glass and other fine glassware are usually 2. Plastic
polished. In the polishing of glass fine marks are often left on the 3. Latent
surface that can sometimes serve as a basis of comparison.
GLASS AS EVIDENCE OF CRIME DUST AND DIRT
In the field of Forensic Chemistry, emphasis is placed on:
• Automobile glass in case of hit and run. DUST AND DIRT – has been described as “matter in the wrong
• Broken windows caused by pressure, blow or bullet in case of place” . The study of such piece of evidence may often provide
robbery. the investigator with clues as to the
• Broken bottles, drinking glass or spectacles found at the scene of occupation or previous whereabouts of a person under investigation.
assault or other crimes of violence. DUST – matter which is dry and in finely divided form
MUD – dust mixed with water
Radial Fracture – primary fracture resembles the spokes of a
wheel radiating outward from the point of impact. TOXICOLOGY
Concentric Fracture – secondary fracture having the appearance of Science of poisons: the scientific study of poisons,
circles around the point of impact connecting one radiating crack to the especially their effects on the body and their antidotes
other, thus forming triangular pieces of glass. A poison is anything other than physical agencies which
Conchoidal Fracture - is capable of destroying life, either by chemical action on the tissues of
the living body, or by physiological action by absorption into the living
system.
METALLURGY (AS APPLIED TO CRIME DETECTION)
The intent in the administration is the essential element in
law. The quantity does not affect culpability, nor is the law concerned
METALLURGY - is the art of extracting and working on metals by the with the quantity in which the substance acts.
application of chemical and physical knowledge.
METALLOGRAPHY - is a branch of metallurgy that involves the study Poison
of the microstructures of metals and alloys. Is a substance that when introduced into or absorbed by a
living organism causes death or injury
Metallurgy is applied to criminal investigation such as in: Types of Poison
• Robbery 1. True Poison
• Theft 2. Corrosive Poison
• Hit and run 3. Cumulative Poison
• Bomb and explosion
• Nail Examination
• Counterfeit coins ACTIONS OF POISONS
• Restoration of tampered serial numbers a. Local - the disturbance produced on that part which the poison may
come into contact.
MACRO-ETCHING refers to the application of a chemical solution on a b. Remote - the disturbance produced in distinct places away from
metal surface and observing any reaction that may take place. the site of application.
c. Combined - the effect is not only localized but it also affects
RESTORATION OF TAMPERED SERIAL NUMBERS other organs and tissues.
Tampered serial numbers are restored by the application of etching
fluid.
TYPES OF POISONING:
From Medical point of View
ETCHING FLUID - fluid used to restore tampered serial numbers. a. Acute poisoning - characterized by a marked disturbance of
Choice of etching fluid depends on the structure of the metal function or death within a short time.
bearing the original number. b. Sub-acute poisoning - cases of short duration and extreme
violence which may include some symptoms of chronic poisoning.
Terms to be pondered: c. Chronic poisoning - characterized by gradual deterioration
1. Concavity of function of tissues which may or may not result in death.
2. Alteration
3. Molecule From the Legal Point of View
4. Atom a. Accidental - those in which the poison was taken without intension
5. Grind to cause death.
6. Obliteration b. Suicidal - those in which the poison was taken by the victim
7. Serial Number voluntarily for the purpose of taking his own life.
8. Engraved Number c. Homicidal - those in which the poison was given willfully, wantonly
9. Embossed Number and with intent to cause death.
d. Undetermined - those in which the history is hazy as to how the
Other Chemicals Used in Number Restoration poison was obtained and why it was administered.
1. Paint Remover (strepsol)
2. For hard metals: Condition of the cadaver when the organs or other tissues are
a) Nitric Acid removed which makes the examination difficult or the result
b) Cupric Chloride solution meaningless:
3. For soft metal • Embalming
a) Hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid • Putrefaction

MOULAGE AND OTHER CASTING TECHNIQUES CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING ACTION OF POISON

What is a Casting Material?
It is any material which can be changed from plastic or liquid state to
Method of Administration: Poisons may enter the body in the
the solid condition is capable of use as casting material.
following ways:
The commonly used casting material in the Philippines is
1. Orally
PLASTER OF PARIS.
2. Hypodermically
SHOEPRINT
3. Intramuscularly
6
4. Endothermically
5. By Rectum, Vagina or Bladder
6. By the Lungs
7. Fatal Dose

TREATMENT OF PATIENT SUFFERING FROM ACUTE POISONING

1. Evacuation of the Stomach:
2. Administration of Emetics:
3. Application of Physiological Antidotes
4. Eliminating the Poison:

SUDORIFICS - causing production of sweat: causing the

production of sweat.
DIURETICS - causing increased urine output: causing increased flow
of urine

POSOLOGY
Refers to the branch of science which treats of the form and quantity
of medicine to be administered within a specific period.

KINDS OF DOSE
a. Safe dose - one that does not cause a harmful effect.
b. Toxic dose - a poisonous dose which is harmful to both
healthy and sick persons.
c. Lethal dose - a dose that would produce death if not
immediately treated to any one it comes in contact with.
d. Minimum dose - the smallest amount of dose which produces
therapeutic effect without causing any harm.
e. Maximum dose - a dose that will cause no harm but at the same
time will be able to produce the desired therapeutic effect.

* Sources are duly cited*

END

Deligence acheives perfection