The 150-year history of the first forensic institute in Hungary

Abstract

Aim: The first institute of forensic experts was established in Hungary 150 years ago. On the occasion of this anniversary, this article aims to present the 150-year history of the development and work of the Institute.
Methodology: By researching the institute's internal documents, the authors collected the most interesting cases, discoveries, and scientific results of eras marked by the names of the former directors.
Findings: The authors of the study outlined the operating conditions of the institute, the typical toxicological cases of the time, based on articles found in newspapers of the period. The development of the Institute is presented through the work of the former directors, from the appointment of Emil Felletár, the first director of the Institute, to the present-day operation of the HIFS Department of Forensic Toxicology.
Value: The short article summarizes the 150-year development of the first institute of forensic experts. The authors revive the most important cases investigated at the institute, they follow the development of the analytical methods, the changes in the tasks of the institute, and at the same time commemorate the former employees of the institute.