Sequencing of intersecting lines by combined lifting process and scanning electron microscopy

The chronological order in which two intersecting writing or typed strokes were made can be determined for several combinations of writing media by scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination, a lifting and transfer technique using Kromekote paper, or a combination of the transfer technique followed by SEM examination of the remaining material in the intersection. When non-destructive examination cannot provide unambiguous determination of sequence, judicious choice by the document examiner of which technique to use for a given combination of writing media and paper type can be made using known characteristics of the materials involved. The range of line-crossings which can be reliably sequenced is greater using a combined transfer and SEM technique than when the examination is limited to either technique alone.