ABSTRACT
The association of a missile with the particular weapon from which it was discharged is not in itself a new science. Roman legions used to impose their emblems upon the cast lead missiles used by their slingers. About the same period in which firearms were first introduced, English archers were in the habit of putting distinctive marks upon their arrows. Most nineteenth century hunters in America used to cast their own bullets, either for use with their muzzle-loading arms or for reloading metallic ammunition. Juries in the courts of the period were able to examine a recovered bullet and compare it themselves directly with the particular pattern of mould used by the suspect in the making of his ammunition.
