A 1955 case involving fraud was the first reported use of the individual character of nail striations. A variety of researchers have reported that the parallel striations on the surfaces of the nails are significantly different for each individual and that, if no damage occurs, the striation patterns should not change noticeably during the person's life. In People v. Wesley in 1981, the court of appeals stated, however, that the evidence did not show a recognition and acceptance of technique in the forensic community. However, evidence on fingernails was used in a case in LaCrosse County, Wis. The defendant was charged with first degree murder and first degree sexual assault of a woman in 1981. A scanning electron microscope was used to compare crime scene nails with right thumb nails taken about a year and a half later. Although the defense's expert witness argued that the markings were not sufficiently similar and that the nails differed in the composition of five chemical elements, the prosecution cited research showing that chemical composition differs within a nail and that excessive magnification shows irrelevant minutiae like soil and loose tissue. The defendant was found guilty on both counts, and the case is on appeal. Photographs, a figure, and 15 references are included.