SIX (6) GOLDEN RULES in the practice

of Forensic Chemistry/Science:

1 - GO SLOWLY
Good work cannot be hurried, therefore take all
the time necessary to make the case complete, no
matter how urgent it may appear or how pressing
others may be of the result; it is generally possible
to adjourn a case if the work cannot be finished in
time.
2 - BE THOROUGH
Make a careful and minute examination of
everything and do not be satisfied with a
qualitative analysis if a quantitative one be
possible; it always pays to do much rather
than too little and it is difficult to foresee
what will or will not be required in court.
3 - TAKE NOTES
Keep a full, neat and clear record of
everything seen and done.

4 - CONSULT OTHERS
Many cases will lead the expert into paths
with which he is not familiar, and when this
happens he should consult others who are
most likely to know.
5 - USE IMAGINATION
This is somewhat hazardous advice, since an
expert with a vivid and uncontrolled
imagination is a most dangerous person, a
disciplined imagination, however, which
enables inferences and deductions to be made
from slender and incomplete premise is often
very useful.
6 - AVOID COMPLICATED THEORIES
The simplest explanation is usually the
right one.