Final answer:
Song Ci authored The Washing Away of Wrongs in 1247, the first manual applying scientific knowledge to criminal investigations. It provided guidelines for autopsies and crime scene investigations. This work marked the beginning of the use of scientific methods in legal contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pioneer who wrote the first manual for applying scientific knowledge to criminal investigations is Song Ci, a Chinese legalist and death investigator of the Southern Song Dynasty. He compiled his vast forensic knowledge into the work known as The Washing Away of Wrongs in 1247. This manual is often cited as the world's first guide to forensic science, providing detailed instructions on how to conduct autopsies, identify causes of death, and investigate crime scenes, thus bridging the gap between law and medical science.
The important role of scientific methodologies in crime investigation has been reinforced throughout history with notable contributions by individuals such as Sir Francis Bacon, who is credited with defining the scientific method, and the utilisation of the intelligence test in 1915 to establish mental capacity in court cases, as highlighted in the trial of Jean Gianini. Moreover, figures like Lester Ward have emphasized the scientific method and quantitative data to inform policies, further showcasing the increasing application of science in various domains, including criminology.