Look–Bang

I t is a useful exercise for forensic scientists themselves and for all members of the public who take an intelligent interest in forensic science to take stock every now and again of the existing state of the various disciplines. I t is, of course, of potential interest to police officers but as this report states, "It is hoped that the points which are brought out in this paper will lead to a fruitful discussion by those responsible for the policy to be followed by the police throughout the United Kingdom, by lawyers and the judiciary and by all those concerned about the civilized development of social policy in the light of the continuing advance of science and of the technical capabilities it makes nossihle". r ------We are often reminded that the function of the Journal is to publish from time to time reviews of the existing state of the different branches of the Forensic Sciences as well as original research. This report might well be taken as an introduction to such a series of reviews. I t was staged in Scotland for Scotsmen. I t could well be repeated in England for other citizens of the United Kingdom. A. A. Muir

LOOK-BANG

Handbook on the Primary Identification of Revolvers and Semi-Automatic Pistols John T. Millard (C. C. Thomas, Springjeld, Ill., 1974; 156@., index, U.S. $10.50, paperback $7.95) This can be recommended as a well-produced handbook in which the author uses his wide experience to set out clearly and succinctly the method of recording and describing pistols for police or Court purposes. Specially directed towards those with other duties and unfamiliar with the subject but who must record information accurately, this work is described by the author as a "crash course". I t would certainly be helpful to standardize descriptions in this manner, already widely adopted. The book provides information on a well-selected cross-section of pistols and is generously supplied with tables and illustrations. There is an evident misprint on page 46 but this is not likely to catch out any of the readers of this Journal. A. J. W. Nairn

ALL THE BANGS

Firearms Encyclopaedia George C. Nonte, jr. (Wove Publishing Ltd., London, 1974; 341pp., index, L3.50) Written and produced in the United States of America this encyclopaedia appears to be intended for the enthusiast or the amateur. Well produced and with a surprising mixture of information within its covers, the book includes ballistic charts and a basic dictionary of technical terms. There is some information unfamiliar to British readers such as the entry for the Wundhammer Swell, but over all this is not a book for the expert. There are some surprising omissions and some inaccuracies. This hardback book includes tables, photographs and drawings and would make a suitable gift for a young man becoming interested in the field. A. J. W. Nairn