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2.
Individuality and Uniqueness
Before we can understand individualization, we must explore the relationship
between individuality and uniqueness and address the requirements neces-
sary to claim uniqueness. Most laypersons, and perhaps even a majority of
scientists, accept the concept of uniqueness at face value. It is imperative to
appreciate that this view, while eminently reasonable, constitutes a leap of
faith. Our belief that uniqueness is both attainable and existent is central to
our work as forensic scientists. But we must be clear that it is a belief, not a
fact. Not only has it not been proved, it is unprovable. In the language of
science, the theory of uniqueness is not falsifiable (Popper, 1962). Neverthe-
less, because we rely on certain corollaries that follow from a presumption
of uniqueness, it is worth clarifying both our assumptions and the relation-
ship of individuality to uniqueness.
 
a.
Existent Objects Are Unique
What do we really mean when we say an item is unique? Basic physics tells
us that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Hayakawa
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Principles and Practice of Criminalistics
(1939) said it more whimsically as “Cow 1 is not cow 2.” Thus, by definition
all objects in the universe are subject to different local microenvironments.
Even two objects that were once one and then separated, such as torn pieces
of fabric or broken pieces of glass, now each occupy exclusive space and may
undergo independent changes rendering them dissimilar to any other object.
From this standpoint, all existent objects qualify as unique.
 
b.
The Generation of Individual Characteristics
Another aspect of uniqueness concerns the generation of physical objects.
We have previously introduced the idea that objects may be produced by
nature or manufactured by the hand of man.