The book intends to introduce novices to the science of evidence gathering and to serve as a reference work for experienced criminologists. The general section of the work discusses classification of physical evidence and the offender-victim relationship established by evidence. Also considered are the various forms taken by evidentiary traces (e.g., cuts, writing, and prints); factors causing such traces, and special, particularly latent forms of evidence. A section on looking for evidence at the scene of the crime details the general principles of investigating a crime scene, methods of searching for hidden traces and prints, and use of sticky paper, vacuum cleaners and ultraviolet lamps to find microtraces. The section on preservation outlines methods of transporting evidence, techniques for recording nonmovable evidence (e.g., photography), and special preservation techniques such as casts and molds. Detailed discussions describe material and methods of comparing evidence to normal samples, techniques for packing and shipping evidence, and the objectives of evidence evaluation (i.e., individual identification, group identification, age determination, and crime reconstruction). A major portion of the book is devoted to detailed analysis of techniques for collection, preservation, and interpretation of a wide variety of specific evidence types. These include tiremarks, shoeprints, and fingerprints; weapons and ballistics; handwriting, documents, and forgeries; typewriters and printing; industrial products; explosives and poisons, traces from the human body; and plants, microorganisms, and soil. Illustrations and extensive bibliographical references are supplied in each section.