Song Ci, a name celebrated in the annals of Chinese forensic medicine, symbolizes the evolution of justice through reason and evidence. From 1186 to 1249, Song Ci carved a path where none existed by meticulously compiling his expertise into the Collected Records of Cleansing and Redressing of Wrongs, published in 1247.
His work laid the cornerstone for forensic practices in China and earned him the revered title of the “Founder of Forensic Medicine in China.” Yet, Song Ci’s journey was not without its tribulations and triumphs.
The forensic medicine journey of Song Ci
Song Ci’s journey into forensic medicine was unique. At 32, he passed the examination for a government official position, and by 41, he was actively serving in Jiangxi Xinfeng County, marking his first significant political role. His illustrious career later saw him as a criminal magistrate across several provinces, including Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Hunan.
Everywhere he went, he tackled lingering unsolved cases with remarkable insight. One notable instance involved reviewing over 200 death sentences, from which he pardoned the wrongly condemned, endearing him to the people for his sense of justice and swift decision-making.
Overcoming cultural taboos: The challenge of autopsies
In ancient China, conducting autopsies posed significant challenges, primarily due to cultural superstitions associating death with misfortune. This sentiment relegated the unpleasant task of examining corpses to laborers and servants while officials distanced themselves, thus failing to uncover vital truths. These practices often led to wrongful convictions, a trend Song Ci was determined to subvert. He believed the gravity of beheading, as the ultimate punishment, demanded precision and truth derived from thorough examinations.
Song Ci decreed that prosecutors needed to be personally involved in examining corpses, regardless of the odor or unpleasantness this entailed. This was revolutionary then, and how crimes were solved in China.
Song Ci’s innovative approach extended to the examination of all parts of the body, challenging the norm of covering certain areas out of modesty. He stressed the importance of investigating every orifice and the presence of any potential weapon-induced injuries, even advocating for thorough and transparent examinations of female corpses.
Solving mysteries with dedication and insight
Song Ci’s distinguished career was a testament to the power of evidence and clues. During his two-decade career, his expertise resolved countless complex cases.
A defining illustration of his forensic prowess involved a mysterious fire reported by a distraught widow whose husband was found dead in their burned house. Upon careful examination, Song Ci noticed inconsistencies: The man’s body showed no signs of struggle, and his mouth was devoid of dust, indicating he did not die from the fire.
Delving deeper, Song Ci unearthed a truth far more sinister than a tragic accident — a premeditated murder orchestrated by the widow and her lover. They had strangled the man to death and set the fire to conceal their crime. Song Ci’s investigation not only solved the case, but also underscored his ability to uncover the stories of the deceased, thus making “the dead speak.”
Song Ci’s life and contributions vividly remind us that truth and justice often require perseverance against prevailing cultural norms. His groundbreaking work in forensic medicine invites us to reflect upon the significance of embracing scientific methods and unmistakable evidence in judicial processes, resonating deeply in our modern pursuit of fairness and transparency.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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