HISTORY OF FORENSIC MEDICINE
In short, History of Forensic Medicine deals with the medical aspects of law.
The term forensic has come from the Latin word forensis and is related to the forum. In ancient times, the Roman marketplace was where lawyers did their business. However, the use of medical knowledge in legal issues is not new to the present age. the subject got its importance in Germany, followed by Great Britain and some other European countries
4000 to 3000 BC:- Law-Medicine problems are found in written records in Egypt, Babylon, Sumer & China
About 3000 BC, Chinese Metaria Medica gives information on toxins.
About 2200 BC: The code of Hammurabi (king of Babylon), the oldest ML code.
460 to 377 BC: Hippocrates (Greece), the father of Medicine, described the lethality of wounds on human beings. The Oath of Hippocrates is still practiced.
About 300 rabbis of the Rabbinical Court sought the aid of Medical Experts in the administration of justice.
00 to 100 AC :-The laws of Manu laid down many sexual matters, eugenic and various public health provisions in India.
In 6th Century :-The Justinian Code & Institute regulated the practice of Medicine. Established the function of medical expert for legal affairs.
In 1302, the first Medicolegal autopsy was done by Bartolomeo de Verignana in Bologna(Italy).
In 1602 AD:-Fortunato Fedele (Italy) published the first book on Forensic Medicine.
1621 to 1635 AD:-Paulus Zacchis (Germany), the principal physician of Pope Innocent X and Alexander VII, wrote “Questions Medicolegalis.” In seven volumes & additional two volumes in 1666.
In the 18th Century : a professorship in legal Medicine was founded in Germany.
In 1801 AD :-Chair of Medical Jurisprudence was established in Britain, the first incumbent was Dr. Duncan.
1787 to 1853 AC :-Orfila(France) introduced precise chemical method into toxicology
In 1843 AD :-Criminal responsibility of insane person was established in England in Mc. Naughten’s trial.
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One Response
Very informative. Waiting for many other enriched topics in future. Thanks n best wishes.