Preface

It was suggested to me that a consideration of science in its application to crime detection, a link between the popular (sometimes over-colourful) treatise, and the text-book proper, would be acceptable.

The inevitable pitfalls appeared to be where exactly detail should be limited, how to deal with it, and what material should be used.

Three types of readers were visualized: the intelligent man who can follow uncomplicated scientific detail; the intending student who desires to see the subject from a bird’s-eye view—this would include the amateur of criminology; and a large, unclassifiable body of readers which might comprise lawyers, professional men, librarians, and many others requiring quick references to particular subjects before seeking further elaboration in the appropriate authorities.

To summarize scientific crime detection suggests a highly selective mind. I do not claim such a gift, but it seemed possible to use a cross-section of material most likely to be of value, to combine that material with pertinent case-histories, where possible, and to explain techniques as they fitted naturally into place.

Inevitably there has been a danger of falling between two stools, of being too elementary for the informed man and too technical for the lay reader.

In the end a straightforward style of narration, without dramatic colour, was adopted. Comment and controversial conclusions have been avoided.

The bibliographies demand qualification. Many (but not all) the titles have been used in reference, while the object in view has been to list the most useful published matter.

Again, the imprint dates given to books—titles being italicized—are usually those of first editions. The standard works are obviously revised and reprinted from time to time—direct reference has always been made to the last published edition.

It must be added that such books as mine are often tagged by reviewers as ‘just what’ the detective novel reader needs. I would not venture to offer an opinion on this, but many such readers have written to me in the past, stating their objections to popular criminological books as (a) too elementary; (b) faintly jocular, as in the case of experts writing down to lay audiences; or (c) patronizing and correspondingly obscure. It is to be hoped I have committed none of these sins.

Whatever may or may not be my personal success in the manner of compilation and presentation, accuracy has been the goal. In supplying me with much valued material and assistance I would like to express my gratitude to a number of people and institutions.

My sincere thanks, then, to Edgar Hoover, of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation; Dr. Edmond Locard, of Lyons; L. C. Nickolls, M.Sc., and Sir Sydney Sooth, C.B.E., LL.D., M.D., F.R.C.P. I must mention the late Harry Soderman, D.Sc., who went to considerable trouble to help me in many ways.

It is an added pleasure to record the great kindness of Major Sir Gerald Burrard, D.S.a., and Chief Superintendent George Maclean, of the City of Glasgow Police, who gave freely of their time, and the benefits of their criticism, in guiding me.

Police experts in several countries, particularly in London, Paris, and New York, assisted me in many points, as did officials of Imperial Chemicals, Ltd., Messrs. Smith & Wesson, and several scientific libraries. For some direct information I am also indebted to the Editors of Time.

Nigel Morland