Putting “Science” into Forensic Science: A Chemist’s Perspective on Forensic Archaeology

Abstract

John F. Kennedy once said that he was a Berliner (1). Following in his footsteps, albeit less exalted in my case, I would like the record to state that I am a chemist. Despite various peregrinations in my career, I am at heart a chemist. Yet, I also lay claim to be a forensic archaeologist. While some may wonder why I did not pursue the well-established discipline of forensic chemistry, or even toxicology, a topic for another time, the thrust of this discussion is to determine what my background and training has meant to my study of forensic archaeology.