February 26, 1999

"Hand Writing Under the Lens: A Look at Forensic Document Examination"
Mr. Larry Olson
Forensic Document Examiner/Ink Chemist
IRS National Forensic Laboratory
Chicago, Illinois

The Forensic Document examiner attempts to determine, for the benefit of the judicial system, how and when documents were created, and if they are genuine, or have been altered in any way. In a slide lecture presentation, Mr.Olson will describe the forensic examination of handwriting, ink, paper, typewriting, and photocopies, all of which involve the use of various types of microscopes.

Bio Sketch

Mr. Olson received his B.S. in chemistry from the US naval academy, Annapolis, and a masters of Forensic Science from George Washington University, Washington, DC. Eventually hired by the IRS to start a forensic ink analysis section, he is currently one of only six people in the federal service performing ink analysis.

SMSI Meeting Report of February 26,1999

In Bill Mikuska's absence the meeting was called to order at 7PM by Richard Lee. Joe Barabe was congratulated for producing the cover photo for the February issue of "American Laboratory." Dr. Janet Rowley, recipient of the prized Lasker medal, was announced as the upcoming speaker for the March 12th 1999 meeting.

The evening's featured speaker, Mr. Larry Olson of the IRS National Forensic Laboratory, escorted his audience into the world of forensic document examination and ink chemistry with a slide show titled "Handwriting Under the Lens," reminding us that the IRS is indeed a law enforcement agency which presents the results of their work in court.

Documents are analyzed to determine originality vs. alteration, identification of source (e.g. typewriter) and to authenticate dates and time frames. Typewriters, for example, turn out to be just about as unique as handwriting and low power magnification will reveal identifiable peculiarities. Fraud can be uncovered when documents are dated prior to the manufacture of the material on which they are written..

The actual analysis of handwriting is based upon a comparative study which must include known specimens of the handwriting in question and collected exemplars should be natural samples with no attempt to disguise. Slant, shape of letters, and height relationships can be crucial to positive identification; and low power microscopy can play an important role. Even photocopiers have class and individual characteristics which give them identifiable "fingerprints."

Infrared analysis of inks can reveal document alterations with striking clarity. Since different inks respond to different wavelengths, it is often possible to see through obliteration, clearly differentiate additions to original markings, and to read erasures. Ball point pens, roller balls and fluid inks each have distinguishing characteristics.TLC spotting can be used to separate the various dyestuffs. Analysis of the so-called Hitler Diaries revealed fluorescent additives which, in fact, were only added at a date which made them an impossibility.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session and the meeting was closed at ~8PM.

Report submitted by John Macdonald, Recording Secretary.