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.

    63/168 (page 53)
    pattern, and by creases. The ridge patterns and the rido-e characteristics persist throughout the whole period of human life, and are so distinctive as to differentiate each individual from all others. An accurate reproduction of these ridges is obtained by inking the finger bulb and pressing it on paper, the impression thus recorded being a reversal of the pattern on the finger. All impressions may be arranged under one of four types, namely, Arches, Loops, Whorls, Composites. Arches subdivide into Arches and Tented Arches ; clear definitions demar- cate Arches from Tented Arches, and both from Loops. Loops may be ulnar or radial, and are further differentiated from each other by ridge count- ing and bv their ridge characteristics. Whorls are single or double cored ; impressions of this type differ conspicuously from each other, owing to the innumer- able varieties of pattern they present, but further demarcation is provided by ridge tracing. Composites include Central Pockets, Lateral Pockets, Twinned Loops, Accidentals ; the definitions given are suffi- cient for the accurate differentiation of these subclasses. In impressions there are fixed points known as “inner” and “outer terminus,” whose correct position is readily found. These fixed points serve many useful purposes, including ridge counting, ridge tracing, and the orientation of patterns. Symbols used.—The symbols used are A = Arch ; T = Tented Arch ; L = Loop ; W = Whorl; C = Composite ; L P = Lateral Pocket; T L = Twinned Loop; C P = Central Pocket; Ac = Accidental ; IT