The complete process may take from several hours to as much as 10 days to secure suitable results. If the final results of the above procedure are satisfactory with the one finger being tested, the remaining fingers are given the same treatment. Care must be taken to identify each finger properly as to right index, right middle, etc., to avoid any mixup. In the event that the reaction of the solution on the first finger treated is not satisfactory and the operator feels that it would be futile to continue the process, the finger should be removed from the solution immediately, washed carefully in water, and placed in formaldehyde to harden sufficiently for it to be handled without causing injury to the ridges. The pattern area is cut off in such a manner that sufficient surrounding surface permits the skin to be trimmed. Then from the cut side the skin is carefully scraped and cut to remove the excess flesh. While the cutting and scraping are being done, from time to time the skin should be soaked in xylene and massaged for purposes of softening to remove wrinkles. When the skin is thin enough and sufficiently pliable, the operator places the skin on his own finger, inks and prints it in the usual manner. If the results are satisfactory, the same procedure is followed with the remaining fingers. In the event the resultant inked prints are not suitable, the skin should be scraped until it is sufficiently thin to be flattened between two pieces of glass and photographed. Here again it is pointed out that should there be a poor contrast between the ridges and furrows when using direct lighting, the skin is scraped as thin as possible without tearing and it is then photographed by transmitted light. There are also included, as cases of desiccation, bodies which have been burned or subjected to severe heat. Often there are cases where the skin has become loose but is hard and crisp, or where the finger has been severely burned and is reduced almost to carbon, yet is firm. In these instances the ridge detail usually has not been destroyed. When a body which has been severely burned is located, the problems of identification should be anticipated. Accordingly, before the body is removed, a careful examination of the fingers should be made in order to determine if the removal would, in any way, cause damage to the fingers. Should it be felt that because of the condition of the body removal would cause injury to the ridge detail, securing of fingerprints at the scene, or possibly the cutting off of the hands or fingers to avoid destruction of the skin, should be considered. An examination of the fingers may disclose that the outer skin is hardened and is partially loosened from the flesh. It is sometimes possible, by twisting back and forth, to remove this outer skin intact. If this is done, the operator may place the skin on his own finger, ink and print in the usual way.