Autolysis is the breakdown of cells and organs from an aseptic process caused by intercellular enzymes. Since it is a chemical process, autolysis is accelerated by heat, slowed by cold, and stopped by freezing. Internal organs rich in enzymes undergo autolysis faster than organs with lesser enzyme amounts. Putrefaction is caused by bacteria and fermentation. After death, bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract invade the vascular system and spread throughout the body, thus producing putrefaction. Whenever decomposition is mentioned, it usually refers to putrefaction. Procedures are described for recovering usable fingerprint patterns from damaged postmortem friction ridge skin. 1 figure