es, and the general shape are
things which the forger observes and imitates, often with success; but
the curvature of a letter in its different parts is not easily
appreciated by the naked eye.

There are but few laws in the United States regarding the functions of
handwriting experts. Courts in various states have followed decisions
made by higher courts where matters affecting expert testimony have
been carried to the court of last resort. A code of uniform laws on
this question is being agitated and will soon be called to the
attention of all state legislatures. England has adopted a simple and
concise law on admissibility of testimony of handwriting experts.

In the absence of such laws a few extracts from Stephens' Law of
Evidence, an English work, will be found interesting and instructive:

Article XLIX: "When there is a question as to any point of science or
art, the opinions upon that point of persons specially skilled in any
such matter are deemed to be relevant facts.

"Such persons are hereinafter called experts.

"The words 'science or art' include all subjects on which a course of
special study or experience is necessary to the formation of an
opinion, and amongst others the examination of disputed handwriting.

"Illustration: The question is, whether a certain document was written
by A. Another document is produced which is proved or admitted to have
been written by A.

"The opinions of experts on the question whether the two documents
were written by the same person, or by different persons, are deemed
to be relevant."

Article LI: "When there is a question as to the person by whom any
document was written or signed, the opinion of any person acquainted
with the handwriting of the supposed writer that it was or was not
written or signed by him, is deemed to be a relevant fact.

"A person is deemed to be acquainted with the handwriting of another
person when he has at any time seen that person write, or when he has
received documents purporting to be written by that person in answer
to documents written by himself or under his authority, and addressed
to that person, or when in the ordinary course of business, documents
purporting to be written by that person have been habitually submitted
to him.

"Illustration: The question is, whether a given letter is in the
handwriting of A, a merchant in Calcutta.

"B is a merchant in London, who has written letters addressed to A,
and received in answe