Scanning electron microscopy has become an increasingly useful tool for anthropologists, particularly because of the development of improved methods of replicating specimens. One of the best replication techniques involves silicone-based dental impression materials to make negative impressions, in conjunction with epoxy resins, which are used to make positives or casts. The technique outlined here allows the examination of bone surfaces, teeth, and fossils for taxonomic, microwear, and experimental studies. Reproduction of detail is faithful at magnifications of x1,500 to x2, 000, routinely giving resolutions of. 1 to. 25 mum.