Classification and uses of finger prints / by Sir E.R. Henry.

  • Edward Henry
Date:
1913
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Classification and uses of finger prints / by Sir E.R. Henry. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    128/168 (page 114)
    taken readily and with sufficient accuracy by prison warders or police officers of ordinary intelligence. (2) The classification of the description must be such that, on the arrest of an old offender who gives a false name, his record may be found readily and with certainty. (3) When the case has been found among the classified descriptions, it is desirable that convincing evidence of identity should be afforded. In the same report it is acknowledged that Mr. Galton’s finger-print method completely met the first and third con- ditions, but they disapproved of his method of classification. Mr. Henry’s classification and subclassification has, we consider, effectually got over the objections raised by them, for, out of eight thousand cards, no subclass contained more than from ten to twenty originals, and the system is capable of almost endless amplification, if necessary. 7. In conclusion, therefore, we are of opinion that the method of identification of habitual criminals by means of finger-prints as worked on the system of recording impres- sions, and of classification devised by Mr. Henry, may be safely adopted as being superior to the anthropometric method, (1) in simplicity of working, (2) in the cost, of apparatus, (3) in the fact that all the skilled work required is transferred to the central or classification bureau, (4) in the rapidity with which the process can be worked, and (5) in the certainty of the results. C. Strahan, R.E., Major-General, Surveyor-General of India. Alex. Pedler, F.R.S., Principal, Presidency Culleye, Calcutta. The 31s/ March, 1897.