MOSTLY MURDER

The autobiography of a British expert in forensic medicine and ballistics and medico-legal testimony is a thoroughly absorbing book for those whose special interest is in true crime material, for his career includes almost every kind of law- breaking in various parts of the globe. From New Zealand to study in Edinburgh under admired instructors, and to local practice in Scotland with a decision to specialize in opthalmology, he soon, under the famous Littlejohn, became fascinated with the place of medicine in crime and when a chance came in the Government Health Department he headed back to his homeland, then moved on to 11 years in Egypt. He eventually returned to Edinburgh and professorships at the University with his fame continuing to grow as his evidence played its part in further cases. His tangles with the top pathologist, Sir Bernard Spilsbury, the development of laboratory procedures, the many investigations that pieced together small details to form a whole picture of a case -- these are components of the crimes themselves -- murder, burglary, accidents and suicides, abortion, and political assassinations. There's humanity, humor and charm in the telling and followers of criminology should be pleased with this addition.