Murder is not funny. Yet this obviously major first book on early forensic science turned out to be a 'snort of laughter' funny book. It's a very wryly written and very wise autobiography, with no backstabbing or self-congratulatory remarks. If anything, Smith was way too modest, in dealing with the many parts of forensic science (which are now dealt with by different departments in police, FBI, etc). He managed to deal with ballistic forensics, stringing a couple of microscopes together while in Eqypt in order to compare bullets and casings. This was way prior to the invention of comparison microscopes that are regularly used even in med school.

The stories he tells are usually not well-known, but he had a good reason for sharing the story because it showed a particular means of solving a crime (or not solving it) using what they had available in forensics during the early 1900's. Smith imagination and ability to 'make do' are something that is badly missed in most sciences today. He certainly lived a very productive and valuable life, and obviously his inventions and unique ideas have been built upon in forensic science. I think he would not be surprised, but would have enjoyed the other newer fields in forensics such as entymology.

This is an older book, found at my university library. Quite frankly, it would be worthwhile to publish again and recommend to the many people who are showing such an interest in forensics due to shows such as CSI. Many of the concepts Smith teaches are still valuable today. If readers cannot buy this book, try to find it at a university libary. It is extremely well-written and enjoyable.

Karen Sadler,
Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh

This book tells of the many interesting cases in his career. If you liked "Quincy ME" or "CSI" you'll love reading true stories about his pioneering work in the first half of the 20th century. He is an outstanding writer as well. This book shows how legal medicine can convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. Most of these cases deal with murder, and tell how the doctor let the dead bones speak to the living.

Erle Stanley Gardner says a successful practitioner of forensic medicine must not only be outstanding in his field, but most be quick-thinking and keen of mind: a real version of Sherlock Holmes. A good medical expert should search for the truth, not the facts to support a pre-conceived theory; this usually results in a miscarriage of justice; chapter 20 illustrates this.

Page 90 tells of his analysis of the British .303 cartridge. The bullet had an "aluminium tip enclosed in a strong cupro-nickel jacket". This tip often broke off when the bullet entered a body. This could result in a blunt-edged bullet that could tumble in a body and create more damage; in effect, a dum-dum bullet.

On page 152 he says that in the British legal system, expert witnesses are made available to the defendants, and paid when the defendant is without means. This is an improvement over just providing a public defender. "While the life of a scoundrel may not be worth saving, the principles of justice always are."

Sir Sydney Smith writes with a dry, subtle sense of humor, and with understatements. This book cannot be easily summarized, except to say: get it and read it!

Mostly Murder is the autobiography of Sir Sydney Smith, the doyen of forensic pathology in Edinburgh in the early decades of the twentieth century. The book briefly covers his early life and medical training (some of it under Bell, best known as the inspiration for Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes) before commencing a comprehensive review of his professional life. Forensic medicine was in its infancy in the 1920's and 30's, and Smith was one of its pioneers. He was involved in investigating many of the high-profile cases of his time, and these are discussed in depth, understanding for the layman being aided by the use of illustrations throughout. Written in a humble and accessible style, the book serves not only as a fascinating insight into a remarkable man, but also as a useful introduction to the basic techniques of forensic science. The author's life and work is placed firmly within its contemporary context, commenting in detail, for example, on his sometimes fractious relationships with other emerging pioneers such as Sir Bernard Spilsbury. Surely a book that desrves a wider audience, though unfortunately now out of print.

A very useful compilation of most of Darwin's notebooks. Essential for any serious Darwin student. Expensive but good value. Entertaining in parts! Best read in small instalments.

Stevie Smith lived with her maiden aunt in suburban London for most of her life. She dwelled on themes of death and alienation, attempted suicide, socialized with literary intelligentsia, made records and television appearances to read her poems, then died quietly after receiving the Queen's Medal for Poetry. She also represents one of the keenest, most individual voices in modern poetry. "NOT WAVING BUT DROWNING" and "TENDER ONLY TO ONE" are classics, and this wonderful volume also features a large assortment of Stevie's humorous line drawings which accompany many of her works. Those looking for an off-center, decidedly dark view of life (with a healthy dose of dry British wit) can do no better than this anthology.

Twelve Miles From a Lemon (Selected writings and sayings of author Sydney Smith) gives real meaning to the phrase "rapier wit". Smith adds a gentle touch to wit. I purchased this book in the name of my two year old grand-daughter, Sydney Smith who is herself a little "wit". My insights as to the similarities of the Sydneys proved to be both true and delightful. Reverend Sydney Smith was a walking wit. His spontaneous sayings are treasures. The one that led me to him via Amazon was printed on a teabag: "I am glad I was not born before tea." A true Englishman! Last June my daughter and I took our Sydney to London and then to Bath. This book described Reverend Smith's life and moves to various parts of England and France. His vacation spot was Bath! His close friend was Earl Grey (for you tea-drinkers). The book is delightful, even though it plods in parts. Reverend Smith was a visionary, compassionate and intelligent. This selection of writings portrays a true feeling of his times (early 1800s), as well as insights of humor within the church. It will definitely make any Anglophile chuckle!