138 ELEMENTS OF APPLIED MICROSCOPY. 



and metallic luster of the deposit formed by inks con- 

 taining gums and of the solid particles of coloring-matter 

 always present. Even the changes of consistency in the 

 same bottle on standing may be detected by this method. 



Direct evidence of forgery in the shape of alterations, 

 erasures, or interlineations is often furnished by exam- 

 ination with a hand lens or a low-power compound 

 microscope. Erasures remove the sizing and loading 

 material of the paper and leave loose ends of teased-out 

 fibres in which the ink of later writings runs freely. 

 Marks of preliminary tracings are sometimes apparent 

 in cases of elaborate forgery. When two lines cross 

 each other it may be of importance to determine which 

 was made first; and here, too, the microscope is of 

 service, since the upper line often shows a widening, 

 due to capillarity, on entering the lower line, and a nar- 

 rowing on leaving it. The continuity of the pen fur- 

 rows of the upper line may also be apparent. Obliquely 

 viewing the point of intersection with a hand lens, along 

 the two lines successively, helps to make it clear which 

 one was superposed. 



Proceeding to the handwriting itself, the general 

 spacing of the lines, words, and letters should first be noted. 

 The pen pressure, the shading, the general symmetry 

 of words and letters, and the firmness of individual lines are 

 all significant. Temperament manifests itself in haste or 

 caution, in energy or reserve. Lack of facility, physical 

 feebleness, and the labored attempt to imitate, alike pro- 

 duce tremors which may easUy be distinguished from 

 each other. 



