Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments

Chapter 23. Lab IV-6 Revealing Latent Fingerprints On Brass Cartridge Cases

Equipment and Materials

You’ll need the following items to complete this lab session. (The standard kit for this book, available from http://www.thehomescientist.com, includes the items listed in the first group.)

Materials from Kit

• Goggles

• Beaker, 100 mL

• Cartridge case, brass, fired

• Centrifuge tube, 1.5 mL

• Forceps

• Graduated cylinder, 100 mL

• Magnifier

• Stirring rod

Materials you Provide

• Gloves

• Camera (optional)

• Paper towels

• Hydrogen peroxide, 3%

• Vinegar, distilled white

• Specimens: uncoated brass (optional)

Warning

None of the materials used in this lab session present any serious hazard. The 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is irritating and may bleach clothing or other items. As a matter of ...