Origins & Early Life

Edmond Locard (13 December 1877 – 4 May 1966) was a French criminologist, the pioneer in forensic science who became known as the "Sherlock Holmes of France". He formulated the basic principle of forensic science: "Every contact leaves a trace". This became known as Locard's exchange principle. Locard was born in Saint-Chamond, France on December 13, 1877, although some records claim he was born in 1872.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He studied medicine and law at Lyon, France, eventually becoming the assistant of Alexandre Lacassagne, a criminologist and professor. He held this post until 1910, when he began the foundation of his criminal laboratory. His lab, located in Lyon, was the first forensic lab in Europe. In 1910, Locard succeeded in persuading the Police Department of Lyon to give him two attic rooms and two assistants, to start what became the first police forensic laboratory. Locard's daughter Denise was born on November 18, 1917, in Paris.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Locard produced a monumental, seven-volume work, Traité de Criminalistique. He also was first to codify Galton points, fingerprint characteristics meant for identification. Locard continued his research in Lyon until his death in 1966.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolphe Thiers — Contemporary (Died in 1877) (1877): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
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• A. R. Rahman — Contemporary (Born in 1966) (1966): Visionary Indian composer celebrated for blending global sounds with cinematic emotion.
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• Adnan Khayr Allah — Shared historical date (05-04 · Died) (1989): Iraqi military officer and Minister of Defense, closely associated with the Ba'ath regime.
• 1877 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1877
• December 13 (12-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 13
• 1966 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1966
• May 4 (05-04) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 4