IAI Latent Print Examiner Study Materials Questions
And Answers
Describe early discoveries and uses of friction ridges ANS Before BC 200, picture writing of hands
with ridge patterns were discovered and fingerprints were used for business transactions in Babylon. In
the Qin Dynasty, handprints were used as evidence in burglary investigations and clay seals with friction
ridge impressions were also used. In 1400 AD Persia, comments were made about identification using
fingerprints.
Johannes Purkinje ANS An anatomy professor at the University of Breslau who published his thesis
discussing nine fingerprint patterns. He made no mention of the value of fingerprints for personal
identification.
Henry Faulds ANS Studied "skin-furrows" and recognized the importance of fingerprints as a means
of identification. Devised a method of classification and published an article in "Nature" discussing
fingerprints as a means of identification and the use of ink as a method for obtaining the prints. Credited
with the first fingerprint identification of a greasy fingerprint left on an alcohol bottle.
Alphonse Bertillon ANS Devised a system of classification known as anthropometry (the Bertillon
system) using measurements of parts of the body. He also established a system of photographing faces
(Mugshots). Given credit for the solving the first murder in Europe with the use of only fingerprint
evidence.
Francis Galton ANS Began observations of fingerprints as a means of identification in the 1880s.
Published "Finger Prints" in 1892, establishing individuality and permanence of fingerprints and was the
first published classification system for fingerprints. Scientifically proved that fingerprints do not change
over an individual's lifetime and that no two prints are exactly the same (unique and persistent). Identified
characteristics (minutia) used to identify prints, referred to as Galton Details - bifurcations, ending ridges,
short ridges, and enclosures.
Juan Vucetich ANS Began the first fingerprint files based on Galton pattern types. Initially included
the Bertillon System with the files. Developed his own classification system and individualization of
prisoners through their fingerprints, which were the first practical uses of fingerprint science by law
enforcement personnel.
Edward Richard Henry ANS In 1894, worked in collaboration with Galton to create a method of
classification for fingerprints, known as the Henry classification system.
, Henry Classification System ANS A fingerprint identification system that assigns numerical value to
each finger depending on if a type of print is found on that finger. This is based on Galton's fingerprint
pattern types.
NCIC Classification System ANS A classification system based on the Henry System that uses twenty
characters on a line. Each finger is represented by two characters that are representative of patterns and
subgroup symbols. There are four categories considered for inclusion - arches, whorls, loops, and others.
Nehemiah Grew ANS The first European to publish friction ridge skin observations in his paper
published in "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London."
Thomas Bewick ANS An English wood engraver and ornithologist who published many books with
wood engravings of birds and other animals. Three woodcuts including a fingermark had the legend
"Thomas Bewick, his mark". It is unknown whether Bewick understood the value of friction ridge skin
for individualization.
Marcello Malpighi ANS An anatomy professor at the University of Bologna who noted fingerprint
ridges, spirals, and loops. The Malpighi layer of skin (1.8mm thick) is named after him.
J.C.A. Mayer ANS A German anatomist and doctor who wrote "Anatomical Copper-plates with
Appropriate Explanations" containing drawings of friction ridge skin patterns. The first person to declare
that friction ridge skin is unique.
Edmond Locard ANS Wrote that if 12 points (Galton's Details) were the same between two
fingerprints, it would suffice as a positive identification. Locard's twelve points seems to have been based
on an unscientific "improvement" over the eleven anthropometric measurements used to identify
criminals before the adoption of fingerprints. Explained the theory of poroscopy and how the use of pores
could supplement a fingerprint comparison by lending supporting data.
Inez Whipple ANS Published the paper "The Ventral Surface of the Mammalian Chiridium". Whipple
theorized that mammals lost hair from scales on volar surfaces; volar scales fused into rows; and ridges
evolved according to the need for friction to facilitate locomotion and grasping. She gave locations of the
volar pads and explained possible forces that affect ridge growth.
And Answers
Describe early discoveries and uses of friction ridges ANS Before BC 200, picture writing of hands
with ridge patterns were discovered and fingerprints were used for business transactions in Babylon. In
the Qin Dynasty, handprints were used as evidence in burglary investigations and clay seals with friction
ridge impressions were also used. In 1400 AD Persia, comments were made about identification using
fingerprints.
Johannes Purkinje ANS An anatomy professor at the University of Breslau who published his thesis
discussing nine fingerprint patterns. He made no mention of the value of fingerprints for personal
identification.
Henry Faulds ANS Studied "skin-furrows" and recognized the importance of fingerprints as a means
of identification. Devised a method of classification and published an article in "Nature" discussing
fingerprints as a means of identification and the use of ink as a method for obtaining the prints. Credited
with the first fingerprint identification of a greasy fingerprint left on an alcohol bottle.
Alphonse Bertillon ANS Devised a system of classification known as anthropometry (the Bertillon
system) using measurements of parts of the body. He also established a system of photographing faces
(Mugshots). Given credit for the solving the first murder in Europe with the use of only fingerprint
evidence.
Francis Galton ANS Began observations of fingerprints as a means of identification in the 1880s.
Published "Finger Prints" in 1892, establishing individuality and permanence of fingerprints and was the
first published classification system for fingerprints. Scientifically proved that fingerprints do not change
over an individual's lifetime and that no two prints are exactly the same (unique and persistent). Identified
characteristics (minutia) used to identify prints, referred to as Galton Details - bifurcations, ending ridges,
short ridges, and enclosures.
Juan Vucetich ANS Began the first fingerprint files based on Galton pattern types. Initially included
the Bertillon System with the files. Developed his own classification system and individualization of
prisoners through their fingerprints, which were the first practical uses of fingerprint science by law
enforcement personnel.
Edward Richard Henry ANS In 1894, worked in collaboration with Galton to create a method of
classification for fingerprints, known as the Henry classification system.
, Henry Classification System ANS A fingerprint identification system that assigns numerical value to
each finger depending on if a type of print is found on that finger. This is based on Galton's fingerprint
pattern types.
NCIC Classification System ANS A classification system based on the Henry System that uses twenty
characters on a line. Each finger is represented by two characters that are representative of patterns and
subgroup symbols. There are four categories considered for inclusion - arches, whorls, loops, and others.
Nehemiah Grew ANS The first European to publish friction ridge skin observations in his paper
published in "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London."
Thomas Bewick ANS An English wood engraver and ornithologist who published many books with
wood engravings of birds and other animals. Three woodcuts including a fingermark had the legend
"Thomas Bewick, his mark". It is unknown whether Bewick understood the value of friction ridge skin
for individualization.
Marcello Malpighi ANS An anatomy professor at the University of Bologna who noted fingerprint
ridges, spirals, and loops. The Malpighi layer of skin (1.8mm thick) is named after him.
J.C.A. Mayer ANS A German anatomist and doctor who wrote "Anatomical Copper-plates with
Appropriate Explanations" containing drawings of friction ridge skin patterns. The first person to declare
that friction ridge skin is unique.
Edmond Locard ANS Wrote that if 12 points (Galton's Details) were the same between two
fingerprints, it would suffice as a positive identification. Locard's twelve points seems to have been based
on an unscientific "improvement" over the eleven anthropometric measurements used to identify
criminals before the adoption of fingerprints. Explained the theory of poroscopy and how the use of pores
could supplement a fingerprint comparison by lending supporting data.
Inez Whipple ANS Published the paper "The Ventral Surface of the Mammalian Chiridium". Whipple
theorized that mammals lost hair from scales on volar surfaces; volar scales fused into rows; and ridges
evolved according to the need for friction to facilitate locomotion and grasping. She gave locations of the
volar pads and explained possible forces that affect ridge growth.
