March 17, 2020
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmTest Proves Blood on Murder Weapon Was Fruit Preserves
Originally published in February 1857
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
“Dr. H. Burdell was found stabbed in his own room in this city. There was bad feeling existing between him and his housekeeper, but science has removed some of what were at first strong indications of guilt. A dagger was found in her drawer faintly stained with blood; these stains are proved by chemical analysis to be rust. A very palpable bloody stain on a blue silk dress proved to be sugar or fruit preserves. A knife from the place of business of a suspected boarder, and a newspaper found in his room, showed stains which responded to the chemical tests for blood, and under the microscope showed the blood disks or red globules to be arterial.”
—Scientific American, February 1857
More gems from Scientific American’s first 175 years can be found on our shiny anniversary page.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.