Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
-Lecture
Topics for Finals
CHAPTER 11
This lesson presents the different kinds of alteration. Also, discusses the method of decipherment
of invisible writing and ink and paper examination.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
DEFINITION OF TERMS
ALTERATION refers to any change in the writing made
by the party thereto, or by some person entitled there under
after the instrument has been executed. Alterations are made
either by erasing, adding, subtracting or cancellation, or
interlineating or inserting. Such changes are made without
the consent of other party interested and give the instrument
a different effect from that where it originally possessed.
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Questioned Document Exam. -Lecture
Topics for Finals
KINDS OF ALTERATION
1. ERASURE – the removal of writings, typewriting or printing, from a document is an erasure. It
may be accomplished either by mechanical or abrasive erasure or by chemical erasure.
A CHEMICAL ERADICATION – in which the writing is removed or bleached by
chemical agents (e.g., liquid ink eradicator) and an abrasive erasure is where the writing is
effaced by rubbing with a rubbing with a rubber eraser or scratching out with a knife or other
sharp with implement
2. ADDITION OR SUPERIMPOSITION – any matter made of the document after its original
preparation may be referred to as addition. When there is sufficient space between the words or
at the end of a sentence to permit the insertion or addition of a single letter or word or a
punctuation mark, such alteration may change the impact of the entire document or its monetary
value.
6. OBLITERATION – the blotting out or shearing over the writing to make the original invisible
to as an addition
INDENTED WRITING, or second page writing, is the impression from the writing instrument
captured on sheets of paper below the one that contains the original writing. This often manifests itself
when pads of paper are used or in some record-keeping situations.
Methods of Alteration
1. Erasure
a. Mechanical- rubbing off with rubber eraser or scraping off with sharp instrument
b. Chemical-using ink eradicator or other bleaching solutions
2. Addition – words/figures
3. Substitution- on pages
4. Interlineations or intercalation- between lines
5. Superimposition-overwriting/ overlapping
6. Obliteration- masking, smeared- overwriting with black or opaque materials
7. Cancellation- to remove by cutting out or stamping lines across written matter to signify its
omission
When a spy or any agent has to send any secret message, they transfer it through written text to
conceal their writings. Some precise methods are used to hide the written text, i.e., secret inks. It can
be deciphered using specific techniques.
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Questioned Document Exam. -Lecture
Topics for Finals
Secret writing is a way to communicate through writing by hiding the written text, by encoding
or deciphering. It is an art to hide or cover writing. Sometimes Ciphers and Codes are placed mistakenly
under the “secret writing” heading. However, it is precise only by taking the expression in its most
ordinary sense because the writing is covered in any way. Ciphers and codes hide the definite message.
Techniques involved in writing secret texts are carbon copies and invisible ink. This way of
sending a text is used from ancient times until the primary twentieth century; modern ways like
microdots conceal secret writing. Along with the above topics, we will also discuss its history to
enhance your knowledge of secret writing.
In the period between the late 19th & early 20th century, carbon copies were a way of secret
writing. Central Intelligence Agency includes a method unlike the current methods while one
signs a credit-card receipt. The back is infused with graphite. While signing the receipt front, the
applied pressure transferred graphite on the second page leaves an impression written by a
pencil.
The CIA type of this method involves a paper that contains a specific chemical that becomes
invisible when it is transferred to the second paper. It engraved the secret writing on the backside
of the envelope, which is mailed to agents via regular channel. Water and heat develop or
exposes the secret writing, which is then read.