April 15, 2009 by Crime Lab Report

Crime Lab Report is proud to announce its launch of a special educational series called Voices of History, where forensic science pioneers from the past are given a chance to tell their story.

The idea was the brainchild of Jay Jarvis, Crime Lab Report’s Associate Managing Editor.  Having recently located and purchased a series of textbooks from the early 1900s, Jarvis was amazed at how relevant much of the information was for a modern audience.

According to Jarvis, a wealth of scientific information is being ignored.  “This stuff is so old that nobody really knows about it, but it’s proof of the scientific foundation that critics say doesn’t exist,” explains Jarvis.  “It does exist and I wondered what these pioneers would say if they were interviewed today.”  

Forensic science is both young and old.  As an organized profession shaped by strict quality management standards and higher educational requirements, forensic science is very young – less than 30 years old.  But many of the most commonly practiced techniques have a long history of development and research that is often forgotten even by many forensic science practitioners.

In its new Voices of History series, Crime Lab Report conducts imaginary interviews with pioneers and thinkers who were critical to the development of today’s forensic sciences.  In their own words, we learn of their contributions, their setbacks, and their perspective on contemporary issues facing the profession.

In the first installment, Crime Lab Report speaks with Dr. Calvin H. Goddard (1891-1955), who is known as the Father of Firearm Identification.  Goddard has been dead for fifty-four years, but when he was alive his reputation and credentials were so impressive that his assistance was sought by scientists, lawyers, and law enforcement professionals around the world.

Goddard worked with renowned mathematicians, physicists, chemists, and engineers in developing the science of firearm identification.  Unfortunately, much of their work has been obscured by both the passing of time and dramatic changes to how information is compiled and searched. 

But as you will learn, Goddard and his interesting colleagues were scientists to the core and they were committed to building the foundations of what would become a powerful and useful scientific practice despite a remarkable shortage of resources and pressure from critics in the legal profession.  

Goddard believed strongly in the necessity to conduct research and publish his findings, but these beliefs irritated a stubborn and eccentric colleague who wanted to keep their endeavors private until they could cash-in on their new enterprise. 

Please enjoy our conversation with Dr. Calvin H. Goddard, the Father of Firearm Identification. * * * * *

Conversation with Dr. Calvin H. Goddard

If you have an idea for a Voices of History interview or would be willing to assist us in researching the literature, please contact our editors at editors@crimelabreport.com or call us toll free at 866-674-9194. 

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