History of Fingerprint
Early History (221 BC–AD 220):
- Recognition of friction ridge patterns traced back to ancient times.
- Evidence of ridge patterns found in locations such as Kejimkujik Lake, Nova Scotia, Altamira, Spain, and Lascaux, France.
- Fingerprints used as a form of signature and identification on seals of contracts in ancient China.
Recognition of Friction Ridge Skin (1684–1858):
- Nehemiah Grew (1684) documented friction ridge skin in detail, including papillary ridges and patterns.
- Marcello Malpighi (1686) studied ridge patterns using a microscope.
- Johann-Evangelist Purkinje (1823) classified fingerprint patterns into nine groups.
- Sir William Herschel (1853) used fingerprints for identification and signature in India.
Criminal Applications and as a Means of Identification (1880–1905):
- Henry Faulds (1880) published first scientific article on friction ridge skin's criminal applications.
- Sir William Herschel used fingerprints for identification and proposed their use in prisons.
- Francis Galton (1892) published "Finger Prints," establishing uniqueness and persistence of fingerprints.
- Juan Vucetich (Argentina, 1892) developed a classification system.
- Sir Edward Henry (1897) developed a fingerprint classification system.
- Introduction of fingerprint identification in the United States by Detective John K. Ferrier (1904).
Developments in Comparison and Identification (1914–1973):
- Edmond Locard (1914) emphasized fingerprints as forensic evidence and introduced poroscopy.
- International Association for Identification (IAI) established in 1915.
- Adoption of 16-point standard for fingerprint identification.
- FBI's Identification Division (1924) centralized fingerprint records in the US.
- Shift from traditional classification methods to computerized systems.
- Ridgeology introduced by David Ashbaugh (1991) for fingerprint comparison.
Recent (1990–Present):
- Challenges and developments, e.g., Shirley McKie trial and Madrid train bombing incident.
- National Research Council's report (2009) highlighted need for standardized training, procedures, and statistical models.
- Ridgeology becomes prevailing philosophy in fingerprint comparison.
- IAI resolution (2010) allows use of mathematical models for assessing associative value of latent print evidence.
Scientific Foundation and Research:
- Early research by Arthur Kollmann, Harris H. Wilder, and Inez Whipple on embryological development of friction ridge skin.
- Harold Cummins and Charles Midlo's book "Finger Prints, Palms, and Soles" (1946) provided comprehensive study.
- Cummins described development of volar pads and their influence on ridge patterns.
- Alfred Hale's research on differential growth and its impact on ridge configuration.
Fingerprint Detection and Enhancement:
- Various methods for enhancing latent impressions: powder dusting, iodine fuming, ninhydrin, superglue fuming, etc.
- Introduction of cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming and its widespread use.
- Photoluminescence techniques developed for visualization of latent prints.
- Spectroscopic techniques explored for rapid and nondestructive visualization.
Conclusion:
- Fingerprint science has evolved from ancient markings to modern forensic techniques.
- Historical applications, scientific research, and technological advancements have solidified fingerprints as a reliable tool for identification.
