The principal role of the criminalist is to apply objectively those elements of the natural and physical sciences relevant to the evidence under consideration. The ultimate aim is to identify material, aid in the reconstruction of the crime, or establish an element of the crime necessary for the effective adjudication of the case. What distinguishes criminalistics from high-grade detective work or the work of a technician is the relevant application of the scientific method. The approach to a physical evidence problem must meet criteria generally accepted by the universal scientific community. Criminalistics is a serious scientific enterprise, crystallized from a number of convergent pathways for the express purpose of providing an objective examination of diverse materials. the profession is still experiencing some problems. One problem is determining operational responsibility where overlap exists between criminalistics and other forensic disciplines. Another dilemma is the generalist versus specialist conflict which arises partly from a philosophical stance and partly from staffing considerations. The capabilities of the field are determined primarily by scientific factors, while its limitations are frequently determined by various factors unrelated to science. The real constraints are extraneous limits placed on the laboratory. A list of legal citations, a glossary, and a bibliography of 206 items are provided.