A century ago, crime investigation techniques were vastly different from what we have today. Police did not have the same methods as they do now, and this is where Edmond Locard comes in. Known as the French Sherlock Holmes, Locard established the world’s first forensic laboratory in Lyon. He began his career in forensics through handwriting analysis, a technique considered advanced at the time. However, his mentor, Alphonse Bertillon, faced scrutiny after giving false testimony in a famous police scandal. This event inspired Locard to build a laboratory where various types of evidence could be scientifically analyzed.
The collection of photographic plates from Locard’s laboratory was initially stored in a garage before being moved to archives in Lyon where they continued to deteriorate due to lack of resources. In 2017, historian Nicolas Delestre provided financial support for the restoration of the photographs, which were ultimately digitized and completed in 2018. The images showcase Locard’s team at work, using innovative techniques to identify individuals, such as through classification of body tattoos.
Locard drew inspiration from pioneers in cinematography and the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle. Throughout his life, he refined his forensic techniques, moving away from methods like handwriting analysis that he found to be unreliable. These groundbreaking research findings from over a century ago continue to inspire forensic experts today. The detailed description of Locard’s forensic lab photos was published in the journal Nature.
In conclusion, Edmond Locard was a pioneer in forensics who established the world’s first forensic laboratory. His innovative techniques and groundbreaking research continue to inspire forensic experts today. The discovery of the photographic plates from his laboratory has allowed us to gain insight into how he worked and what methods he used to analyze evidence.
