and Laboratory Methods. 



2641 



The microscope designed for tlie examination of disputed documents should 

 have a large stage with ample room both at the back and in front of the objec- 

 tive, and such an instrument is greatly improved for the purpose if provided with 

 a special large mechanical stage operated by rack and pinion. Such special 

 microscope should also be provided with a sub-stage condenser for transmitted 

 light examinations and a light converging lens on a movable arm for throwing 

 additional light on opaque objects from above as required. A document micro- 

 scope intended for miscellaneous work should be provided with several eyepieces 

 and a variety of objectives. A one-sixth objective is as high power as is likely 

 ever to be used, and this but seldom. A revolving nosepiece is a great conve- 

 nience, and a polariscope is useful in some kinds of paper fiber examinations. 



4/y\_ ^t.Lt i ti) drzi^ 



A ^ ^ 



/ / 



Fig. 6 — Crossed lines showing sequence of writing. The 

 question to be determined being whether such a receipt 

 was only for a definite amount or was "in full to date" 

 when signed. 



The Filar micrometer should always be included in such an outfit. It is 

 very useful in many instances for readily making accurate measurements and 

 comparisons, and but little skill is required in its manipulation. A camera-lucida 

 attachment, by which drawings can be made directly from the microscopic image, 

 is also very useful and affords an effective means for making illustrations and 

 outlines, particularly of matter which may be introduced so late in the case as to 

 prevent its being photographed. A camera lucida drawing board is of great 

 assistance especially if work is to be done in court which is likely to be vigor- 

 ously criticised. 



For the examination of some kinds of disputed documents it is desirable that 

 the microscope tube be mounted on a special stand without a stage and with an 



