THE TERM “BALLISTICS” is
often inaccurately and loosely used
in discussing the subject of the iden-
tification of firearms and their pro-
jectiles. The word “‘ballista” is Greek
in origin, and was the name of an
ancient military engine for hurling
large missiles. Hence the science of
hurling or projecting missiles became
known as ‘ballistics’ and was
applied to the propulsion and flight
of a projectile. The term is usually
applied to firearms, but can equally
well be applied to the bow and arrow
or the catapult and stone, or even an
aboriginal blow-gun and poisoned
dart.

“Firearms Identification’ has come
into general usage in speaking of the
relatively new science of determining
the particular weapon from which
a shot was fired. or whether a cart-
ridge case came from a specific rifle.
The work of the ‘Firearms Exam-
imer’’ is an exact science and is not
based purely on opinion. His findings
are reached through the painstaking
search for detail which must accom-
pany any examination of this kind
and requires a great deal of experience.
The instrument manufacturers have
co-operated with him and produced
marvels of instrument engineering to
facilitate his work, but it is only re-
search and much careful study which
enables him to reach accurate and
logical conclusions from the material
submitted for examination.

RIO@NEER HOTEL
AND CAFE

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Sere in

By Sub-Insp. C. LEDOUX

Perhaps it might be as well to see
what is expected from the “Firearms
Examiner” in a typical case. A de-

cartridge found expended and lying
on the ground. The facts may show
that the person who ejected this cart-
ridge from rifle or automatic pistol,
was also responsible for a crime which

formed bullet is handed to him and
* he is asked to determine its caliber,
and from what make of weapon it
If the Examiner is able

was fired.
HOWIE SUTTON
STANDARD OIL AGENT

Marine and Aviation Service

ZEBALLOS B.C.

ESPERANZO HOTEL
Gordon Bell, Mar.

FULLY LICENSED
ESPERANZO

EE

Zeballos Marine Service

Marine and General Hardware

FISHING GEAR - PAINTS
ZEBALLOS B.C.

The comparison microscope with Sub-In-
spector J. A. Young making an examination.

to give answers to both questions, a
search is made for this particular type
of weapon and when one or more of
them are found in the possession of
possible suspects, it devolves on the
examiner to show which, if any of
the weapons submitted to him, fired
the shot under examination. Fre-
quently the same thing applies to a

The

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NINETEENTH EDITION

Page Thirty-one