Joseph Thomas Walker, Date of Birth, Date of Death

Joseph Thomas Walker

American forensic scientist

Date of Birth: 26-Jan-1908

Date of Death: 29-Apr-1952

Profession: chemist, forensic scientist

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Joseph Thomas Walker (January 26, 1908 – April 29, 1952) was a pioneer in forensic science.
He earned a doctorate in chemistry from Harvard University in 1933.
In 1934, he created the Massachusetts State Police Chemical Laboratory - the first statewide crime detection lab in the country.
Later the Chemical Laboratories of the Department of Public Safety, he ran it until his death.
During that time, Walker developed many of the scientific techniques essential in modern crime detection.
His eulogy in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology states "Throughout the world his methods are used, his name is known, and all men benefit." Lawyer-turned-mystery-writer Erle Stanley Gardner dedicated the foreword to one of his books to Walker and commented, upon hearing of his death, that Walker was "the greatest real life detective" he had known.