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Ya Gotta Accentuate the Positive
YA GOTTA ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
T h e Scientific Investigator R. 0. Arther (C. C . Thomas, Springfield, Illirtois ; 1965, 229 pp., 8.75 dollars) The title of this book, 'The Scientific Investigator', is very likely to mislead the British reader and it is not an overstatement to say that it would be of little, if any, use to the scientist engaged in the investigation of crime. I t is intended for the American equivalent of the British Police "Scenes of Crime" Officers and, accepting the differences that exist between the two forms of law enforcement, contains much information which may well be of use to the British Officer. There are chapters dealing with the examination of hairs, fibres, blood, glass, paint, wood, instrument marks and the taking of casts, and the uses to which these may be put in the investigation of crime. As far as they go these are good but they account for only 70 out of the total of 229 pages. There are also chapters on firearms, photographic methods of investigation, handwriting and typewriting comparisons, toxicology and alcohol analyses which give a general though incomplete picture of what can be done by the expert. The author is the Polygraph Examiner for New York City, and understandably devotes some space to the use of the 'Lie Detector' and the interpretation of its results. These 26 pages, together with those that refer specifically to the methods of crime investigation in use in America, are of little use to the British Police Officer, though they may be of interest. The book is written in a typically transatlantic breezy style, is clearly printed and well produced, but it is improbable that many will feel that they are able to afford the price which is likely to be charged for it in this country. D. N. Jones AN IMPORTANT SECOND EDITION
T h e Essentials of Forensic Medicine C. J. Polson (London,Permagon Press, 1965, 630 pp., £5-5-0) The second edition of Professor Polson's textbook will be welcomed by all medico-legists. The author has revised the original text and expanded a number of sections. A notable feature is the inclusion of 153 new, carefully selected and informative illustrations. This second edition is perhaps even easier to read than the first. Professor Polson's lucid manner of expression will prove a great attraction to lawyers, as medico-legal matters are clearly explained in terms readily understood by,the non-medical man. The Essentials of Forensic Medicine is a personal piece of writing and naturally reflects those aspects of the subject of special interest to the author. The chapters on the various forms of mechanical asphyxia and on electrical injuries are monographs in their own right. The section on h y p o t h e d a , of great topical interest, has been considerably expanded ; on the other hand, "Battered Babies", also very topical, receives no special mention. As with any text book there are a few typographical errors. One which has baffled several reviewers is the incorrect date given to the first edition ! Compared with the first edition, the present is larger, has been printed on better quality paper and its presentation is generally superior. Unfortunately the cost of these improvements, together with the inclusion of illustrations, has almost quadrupled the price. However, the second edition of "The Essentials of Forensic Medicine" should be read by all medico-legists, and the reading will prove itself a pleasure and an education. A. Keith
ant
51
T h e Scientific Investigator R. 0. Arther (C. C . Thomas, Springfield, Illirtois ; 1965, 229 pp., 8.75 dollars) The title of this book, 'The Scientific Investigator', is very likely to mislead the British reader and it is not an overstatement to say that it would be of little, if any, use to the scientist engaged in the investigation of crime. I t is intended for the American equivalent of the British Police "Scenes of Crime" Officers and, accepting the differences that exist between the two forms of law enforcement, contains much information which may well be of use to the British Officer. There are chapters dealing with the examination of hairs, fibres, blood, glass, paint, wood, instrument marks and the taking of casts, and the uses to which these may be put in the investigation of crime. As far as they go these are good but they account for only 70 out of the total of 229 pages. There are also chapters on firearms, photographic methods of investigation, handwriting and typewriting comparisons, toxicology and alcohol analyses which give a general though incomplete picture of what can be done by the expert. The author is the Polygraph Examiner for New York City, and understandably devotes some space to the use of the 'Lie Detector' and the interpretation of its results. These 26 pages, together with those that refer specifically to the methods of crime investigation in use in America, are of little use to the British Police Officer, though they may be of interest. The book is written in a typically transatlantic breezy style, is clearly printed and well produced, but it is improbable that many will feel that they are able to afford the price which is likely to be charged for it in this country. D. N. Jones AN IMPORTANT SECOND EDITION
T h e Essentials of Forensic Medicine C. J. Polson (London,Permagon Press, 1965, 630 pp., £5-5-0) The second edition of Professor Polson's textbook will be welcomed by all medico-legists. The author has revised the original text and expanded a number of sections. A notable feature is the inclusion of 153 new, carefully selected and informative illustrations. This second edition is perhaps even easier to read than the first. Professor Polson's lucid manner of expression will prove a great attraction to lawyers, as medico-legal matters are clearly explained in terms readily understood by,the non-medical man. The Essentials of Forensic Medicine is a personal piece of writing and naturally reflects those aspects of the subject of special interest to the author. The chapters on the various forms of mechanical asphyxia and on electrical injuries are monographs in their own right. The section on h y p o t h e d a , of great topical interest, has been considerably expanded ; on the other hand, "Battered Babies", also very topical, receives no special mention. As with any text book there are a few typographical errors. One which has baffled several reviewers is the incorrect date given to the first edition ! Compared with the first edition, the present is larger, has been printed on better quality paper and its presentation is generally superior. Unfortunately the cost of these improvements, together with the inclusion of illustrations, has almost quadrupled the price. However, the second edition of "The Essentials of Forensic Medicine" should be read by all medico-legists, and the reading will prove itself a pleasure and an education. A. Keith
ant
51