Fingerprint History and Pioneers Flashcards
(43 cards)
What does the term “fingerprint” refer to in Canada?
Both the friction skin pattern formation found on human skin, and the impression or mark left on a surface after having had contact with this type of skin.
What are the four premises of friction ridge identification?
- Friction ridges develop on the fetus in their definitive form prior to birth
- Friction ridges are persistent throughout left except for scarring, disease or decomposition
- Friction ridge paths and the details in small areas of friction ridges are unique and never repeated
- Overall, friction ridge patterns vary within limits, which allow for classification
When was the first fingerprint database constructed?
Around 1911
How long does the use of fingerprints for personal identification in Canada date back?
Over 100 years
What text and by whom defines the science of friction ridge identification?
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis - An Introduction to Basic and Advanced Ridgeology by David R. Ashbaugh
Define ridgeology.
The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge structures and their use for personal identification.
Why is it important to know the history of a forensic science discipline?
2
- Enhances interest and understanding
- Some degree of knowledge expected in court
What is the significance of the Carving of Hand in Slate Rock by aboriginal peoples in Kejimkujik Lake?
The first documented anthropological illustration depicting friction ridges.
How much understanding of friction ridges did the peoples of Kejimkujik Lake seem to have?
Carving show knowledge of presence but not of individuality
Describe the clay fingerprint trademarks in Babylon (1855-1913 BC).
Finger seals were used to sign/seal legal documents and contracts
Describe the clay fingerprint trademarks in Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC).
Officers of law secured FPs of persons arrested
What are the oldest fingerprints found to date and how old are they?
Identifiable FPs on earthernware from Northern Chine
6000 years old
Describe the L’ille de Gavrinis Stone Carvings.
- Neolithic Burial chambers
- Carvings on stone slabs might be fingerprints but could be meant to be other things like waves or windy grass
Describe the Middle East Clay Pottery.
- Fingerprints on clay pots - archaeologists learned to ID potters
- Thus can immediately date items
- Some prints appear to be left intentionally to ID potters’ works or prevent forgeries
Describe Chinese hand prints (220-420 AD & 300 BC).
- 220- 420 AD: introduction of silk and paper, handprints used to authenticate contracts but no friction ridge impressions used (i.e., only anthropological values)
- 300 BC: Handprints entered as evidence at theft trial along with knee marks from scene
Describe the use of Chinese clay finger seals (246-210 BC).
Emporer Ts-In-She used with personal symbols to seal documents, prove authenticity
What was the 715 AD “Deed of Hand Mark”?
Flexion joint creases noted of phalangeal joints of right hand
Describe the early identification methods used by Egyptians.
Used detailed descriptions of a person’s physical features written in longhand
Describe the early identification methods used by the Chinese.
2
- Used notches carved out in writing tablest, duplicates were made to show authenticity
- In 650 AD fingerprints being used to ID people
Describe the early identification methods used by the Japanese.
2
- Blood stamping: Print of ring finger in blood drawn from that digit
- Shau-Mu-Ying (hand pattern stamp): applying thumb and fingers of one hand onto divorce papers
Describe the significance of Thomas Bewick.
2
- Made wood carvings of a fingerprint and published the image in the books he wrote
- Developed an above average knowledge of friction ridge skin
Describe Sir William Herschel’s contributions to the field of friction ridge identification.
2
Credited with being the first European to recognize the value of friction ridge prints and to actually use them for identification purposes.
Persistency tests showed that fingerprints do not change over time.
Describe the significance of Dr. JCA Mayer.
Published Anatomical Atlas prior to Sir William Herschel, where he stated that the arrangement of skin ridges is never duplicated in two persons.
Describe the contributions of Dr. Henry Faulds to the discipline of friction ridge identification.
2
- Appears to be the first person to publish his findings and comment on the use of fingerprints to solve crimes
- First to use fingerprints in criminal cases
