Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Techniques (International Forensic Science and Investigation) [Library Binding]

David Ellen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1997 | Series: International Forensic Science and Investigation (Book 14)

Completely revised and updated to reflect the latest techniques and technological advances, this second edition provides and clear, concise overview of modern forensic document examination. The scientific methods applied to elucidate questions about whether a document is genuine, whose writing is on it, and any alterations to information on it are explained in detail. Handwriting, typewriting, inks, paper, and other factors which make up documents are discussed and techniques involving infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, electrostatic detection, and microscopical examination are described. It is an invaluable guide for trainees and more experienced document examiners.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This third edition updates its predecessors with timely discussion of recent advances in and wider use of office equipment such as laser printers as well as new technologies available to examiners. …Because it is so technical, the book is not an easy read. It does, however, have great reference value for security professionals who wish to gain detailed insight into document examination.
-Adrian A. Barnie, CPP, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), Security Management, February 2007 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 182 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press; 2 edition (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0748405801
• ISBN-13: 978-0748405800
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,363,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for the Professional Questioned Document Examiner, October 23, 2005

By 

R. Joseph Jalbert (Rome, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scientific Examination of Documents (Ellis Horwood series in forensic science) (Hardcover)

This first edition is a must have for the professional Questioned Document Examner. Excellent details in pen, ink, paper, indented writing Forensice Document Examination. Some methods of ink and pen identification qre not even covered in most Forensic Questioned Document Books, Not in the detail covered here. How do you know if an envelope has been steamed opened and reglued? What methods of page substitution are not covered in other tests? How can you quickly identify, beyond watermarks, if a page may not be consistent with others in a corporate agreement? Mr Ellen is truly a master Forensic Document Examiner. In my opinion he is the modern day version of Albert Osborn. My Osborn's Questioned Documents was the first complete book on Questioned Document Examination. It is dated now but Mr. Ellen's book covers it all. A great book. A must have for the 21st century.

The 1st and 2nd editon should not be confused with the 3rd edition. The 1st and 2nd edition give great technical detail as to methodology in use of Forensic Equipment, VSC-1, ESDA, IR/UV, ink and paper analysis. The 3rd edition answers methodology in visual examination as to methods of construction,disquised writing, simulations,significance of similarities and differences. The 3rd edition is more general than the previous editions but an excellent resource for the Forensic Questioned Document Examiner in training and as a refresher for the seasoned Forensic Questioned Document Examiner. It is also a must have for the Forensic Questioned Document Examiner Library.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Shallow and unprofessional book, January 23, 2008

By 

Y. Vissoker "Forensic Graphologist" (South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Techniques, Third Edition (International Forensic Science and Investigation) (Hardcover)

In short: Shallow, not informative and not professional. Suitable to pre-beginners, if ever. No samples at all. I was shoked to realize that I paid so much for this misleading book. To my opinion, Amazon should be more careful with the deceptive reviews that alleged customers write about books. After the great disappointed I experienced in purchasing this book, I stopped buying books from Amazon anymore.