Father of Forensic Toxicology
A.
Francis Gallon
B.
Paul Kirk
C.
Mathieu Orfilia
D.
Edmond Locard
C. Mathieu Orfilia
C. Mathieu Orfila
The correct answer is C. Mathieu Orfila.
To determine the father of forensic toxicology, we need to understand what forensic toxicology is and learn about the individuals who have made significant contributions to this field.
Forensic toxicology is the branch of forensic science that focuses on the identification and analysis of toxic substances in biological samples, such as blood and urine, to determine their presence, concentration, and potential effects on the human body. It plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, especially in cases of drug-related deaths, poisoning, and determining the influence of chemical substances in criminal cases.
Now, let's examine the options:
A. Francis Gallon: Francis Gallon was a statistician and a pioneer in the field of eugenics, but he is not considered the father of forensic toxicology.
B. Paul Kirk: Paul Kirk was an American forensic scientist who made significant contributions to various areas of forensic science, including forensic toxicology. However, he is not widely regarded as the father of forensic toxicology.
C. Mathieu Orfila: Mathieu Orfila, a Spanish-born French chemist and physician, is widely recognized as the father of forensic toxicology. He published the first comprehensive textbook on the subject, "Traité des poisons," in 1814. Orfila's work laid the foundation for modern forensic toxicology, establishing the scientific basis for determining the effects of various poisons on the human body.
D. Edmond Locard: Edmond Locard, a French criminologist, is often referred to as the father of modern forensic science due to his contributions to the field of criminalistics, particularly in the area of crime scene investigation. However, he did not specialize in toxicology.
In conclusion, the correct answer is C. Mathieu Orfila is considered the father of forensic toxicology due to his significant contributions to the field and the establishment of its scientific principles.