Classification and uses of finger prints.

  • Henry, E. R. (Edward Richard), Sir, 1850-1931.
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Classification and uses of finger prints. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    1+ It often happens, when the enquiry above indicated has not been made by the local police during the investigation of the case, that the finger prints taken after a prisoner's conviction and sent up to the Registry lead to the discovery that he had been previously convicted under a different name. Hitherto the requirements of criminal administra- tion have been sufficiently met by including persons convicted of the offences above named, sentenced to imprisonment for a month or longer ; but it is . obvious that if the necessity should arise to include other cases it will be quite a simple matter to still further reduce the size of the meshes of the net so as to keep within its folds all or any classes of criminals sentenced to any term of imprisonment for any offence against the law, by merely adding to the instructions above given as to those whose finger prints may be required. Ridges—Creases ; their origin; purpose they serve.—The inner part of the hand and the sole of the foot are traversed in all directions by lines of varying lengths, some representing depressions, others elevations of the skin surface, many of them being grouped into patterns which, though seemingly complex, can be outlined with exactness. The most conspicuous are the creases, caused by the folding of the skin. These are found well developed in the newly-born child, and can be rendered more apparent by partially closing the hand. So far as is known at present they fulfil no particular office, being nothing