CHAPTER XI

DETECTING FORGERY WITH THE MICROSCOPE

Determining Questionable Signatures By the Aid of a Microscope--A
Magnifying Glass Not Powerful Enough--Character of Ink Easily
Told--The Microscope and a Knowledge of Its Use--Experience and
Education of an Examiner of Great Assistance--An Expert's Opinion--The
Use of the Microscope Recommended--Illustrating a Method of
Forgery--What a Microscopic Examination Reveals--How to Examine Forged
Handwriting with a Microscope--Experts and a Jury--What the Best
Authorities Recommend.


In all examinations of questioned signatures to determine the
individual habit of the writer the use of the compound microscope is a
necessity to obtain the best field for study and analysis for the
reason that the most important details are often so minute that they
cannot be seen with the naked eye in sufficient size to determine
their individual character and accuracy. A magnifying glass has but a
limited field in this class of work, for it is not easily held in
position steadily for continued observation and study, besides it has
not the requisite power for the work. The lower powers of the compound
microscope are but available for the examination of signatures for the
reason that when the higher powers are used but little of the
signature is in the field of vision, although the power of the lens