Historical development of expertise in forensic chemical analysis - General survey, illustrated by case studies from the Viennese Institute

The history of forensic chemical analysis shows a development from the mere quotation of a concentration value to an expert opinion which helps to exp lain manifold circumstances of the case under consideration. The developmen t of forensic expertises on chemical problems connected to forensic medicin e reveals two essential stages: 1. A period, when sensual perceptions were the only means of investigation and 2. a period, when developments in chrom atographic separation and spectrometric identification have permitted objec tified results.