The book covers the forensic significance of physical evidence and its collection, skills required of forensic experts, sources of information on forensic science, and the organization of a forensic science laboratory. A discussion of narcotics and dangerous drugs covers types of drugs abused, chemical signatures of drugs, procedures involved in qualitative and quantitative drug analyses (using specific chromatographic methods), and identification of marijuana and other drug preparations from the hemp plant. Examples of drug analysis include a typical case with five different drug samples, the analysis of a multicomponent street drug, variations in the composition of samples of similar appearance, the establishment of a common source for two cannabis resin samples, and the quantitative determination of amphetamine sulfate. Similar information on the analysis of explosives; polymers; fibers; paints, varnishes, and lacquers; grass and soil; and residues from the discharge of firearms is presented. The text also explains how forensic chemists investigate fires, analyze documents, identify toxic substances in food, restore erasures, analyze dye spots, and so on. Examples are included for each analysis. The text discusses uses of reference material and data collections, and lists scientific meetings of importance to forensic scientists. A table illustrates the distribution of major crime laboratories and forensic scientists worldwide. Figures, tables, photographs, an index, and extensive chapter references are provided.