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Forensic sciencethe preparation of scientific evidence to be presented in courtis an increasingly valuable aspect of the investigation of crime. Although rare commentaries on the subject date back many centuries, it is only over the last 200 years that a systematic approach has been madean approach that has accelerated rapidly in the past half-century. The detection and analysis of poisons was the first forensic technique to be developed in a truly scientific manner. This was followed by the realization that fingerprints were unique to every individual; then came the methodical study of firearmsthe science of ballistics. The role of the medical examiner has become more important as understanding of the human body has increased and DNA analysis has succeeded in positively identifying a growing number of criminals.