Although the beginnings of forensics can be looked for in ancient times and middle Ages the first serious development and application starts at the end of 19th century.

Thanks to the efforts of many physicians, chemists, anthropologists and other scientists throughout history today we have forensics science that is capable to answer all the demands and challenges that modern age places before it.

The first modern forensic-anthropological case occurred in 1897 in Chicago. That year the owner of the sausage factory, Adolph Luetgert murdered his wife Louise. After he killed her he decided to get rid of the body on unique way.

During the night he took the body to the factory and threw it into the boiler full of acid. He spent the entire night near the boiler mixing its creepy content. Workers have found him asleep in his office early in the morning. He was totally exhausted.

The floor near the boiler was covered with oily liquid. That was the result of the turbulent chemical reaction which occurred when the acid sucked out all the calcium from the bones leaving only gelatin mass.

The next day Luetgert reported his wife missing to the police. However, his wife’s brother suspected on murder so the detectives conducted a search of the house and factory.

At the bottom of the boiler police investigators discovered a ring once belonging to Louise Luetgert and four small bone pieces. Based on these findings Adolph Luetgert was charged for the murder of his wife.

But his defense in court was solid because without the body prosecution couldn’t prove there was a murder. So the prosecution asked for help from the George A. Dorsey who was respected professor of anatomy.

In his presentation, Professor Dorsey managed to prove to the court that the four mentioned bone fragments were belonging to the skeleton of adult female. These small fragments which weighted less than 7 grams and ring founded on the crime scene were enough to sentence Adolph Luetgert to life imprisonment.

After this case forensic application in criminal investigations became common thing. Thanks to that forensics has continued and still developing and expanding its knowledge.