Mary Louisa Willard

Mary Louisa Willard, also known as "Lady Sherlock," was a chemistry professor at Penn State University who became a renowned forensic criminologist. She was known for her expertise in chemical microscopy and her contributions to solving various crimes, including the infamous "chicken murder" case. She was a pioneer in the field of forensic science and a role model for women in science.

Forensic Criminology

Forensic criminology is a field of study that applies scientific principles and techniques to investigate crimes. It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. Forensic criminologists use a variety of techniques, including chemical analysis, microscopy, and DNA profiling, to identify suspects and establish the circumstances of a crime.

Chemical Microscopy

Chemical microscopy is a technique that uses a microscope to examine the chemical and physical properties of a sample. It involves using a microscope as a stage to observe chemical reactions and analyze the composition of a sample. Chemical microscopy is a powerful tool for forensic science, as it can be used to identify substances, analyze trace evidence, and determine the cause of death.

Penn State University

Penn State University is a public research university located in State College, Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest universities in the United States and is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and agriculture. Mary Louisa Willard was a professor of chemistry at Penn State University and made significant contributions to the university's history.

Forensic Toxicology

Forensic toxicology is a branch of forensic science that focuses on the analysis of drugs and poisons in biological samples. It involves identifying and quantifying drugs and poisons in blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to determine their role in a crime. Forensic toxicologists play a crucial role in investigating cases of poisoning, drug overdose, and impaired driving.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a metalloid element that is highly toxic to humans and animals. It can be found naturally in the environment and can also be produced as a byproduct of industrial processes. Arsenic poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. In the case of the "chicken murder," Mary Louisa Willard used chemical microscopy to identify arsenic as the cause of death in the chickens.

Gas Chromatography

Gas chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze different components of a mixture. It involves vaporizing the sample and passing it through a long tube called a column. The different components of the mixture travel through the column at different rates, depending on their volatility and affinity for the column material. This allows for the separation and identification of the different components of the mixture. Mary Louisa Willard used gas chromatography to analyze kerosene samples in the "Scranton fire" case.

Prohibition

Prohibition was a period in American history from 1920 to 1933 when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal. The era was marked by widespread illegal alcohol production and consumption, known as bootlegging. Prohibition led to a rise in organized crime and contributed to the growth of the illegal alcohol industry. Mary Louisa Willard's work as a forensic toxicologist during this time was crucial in identifying and analyzing tainted alcohol samples.