The history of the fingerprinting method dates back several centuries, and contrary to prevailing stereotypes, fingerprints were not used in forensic science. People have been interested in the specifics of drawing since ancient times. In the 6th century in China, documents were secured with a fingerprint. Such a ‘signature’ was primarily mystical. Having touched the paper, it was important that a person left a ‘trace of his personality’ on it. Fingerprint identification dates back to ancient times and is currently the most advanced and accurate method.
The first attempts to identify people by patterns of papillary lines on their hands date back to the Stone Age. As evidence for this, archaeological finds are given – drawings on the walls of caves, where people’s hands were depicted with fingerprints highlighted. According to the assumption described in the books, people’s interest in the patterns of the hands was mystical. Some researchers classify the history of the development of fingerprint science and divide it into two main stages: dactyloscopy and natural science (Teicher, 2022). The authors present these stages through the prism of the use of media:
- stage of petroglyphs;
- stage of clay impressions;
- the stage of non-clay carriers;
- stage of paper media (Teicher, 2022).
Stages are distinguished in chronological evolutionary order from the most primitive information carriers to their more advanced forms.
The Chinese are the first known to have used friction comb impressions as an identification method. The earliest example comes from “Crime Scene Investigation Volume – Burglary” from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) (Barnes, 2010). The document describes how handprints were used as evidence (Barnes, 2010). The use of friction comb skin impressions in China continued until the Tang Dynasty (617–907 CE), as seen in land contracts, wills, and army lists (Barnes, 2010). Further, Japan, India, and many other countries, as a result of all sorts of political, economic, and other contacts, could begin to use fingerprints as a unique signature within countries and in contact with others.
European scientists began to publish their observations of human skin at the end of the 17th century. Dr. Nehemiah described the skin of the friction comb in detail. Dr. Grew’s description initiated the observation and characterization of friction ridge skin in the Western Hemisphere (Grey, 2013). In 1687, the Italian physiologist Marcello Malpighi published On the External Tactile Organs, which discussed the function, shape, and structure of the skin of the friction ridge. Malpighi is credited with being the first to use the newly invented microscope for medical research. In his treatise, Malpighi noted that ribbed skin increases the friction between the object and the skin’s surface.
In addition to the science of fingerprints, fingerprints have also been used in practice. In 1886, I. V. Taber, a San Francisco photographer, proposed using fingerprints to identify Chinese immigrants (Barnes, 2010). In 1889, the Director General of the Post Offices of India was a colonel. As the author of the first book on fingerprints, Galton established that the skin of the friction comb was unique and resistant. He also concluded that there is no connection between the skin of the friction comb and the character of a person with this skin. Francis Galton (1822–1911) proposed using powders and chemicals to reveal latent prints at a crime scene (Leo, 2005). As a result, it helped to individualize the person touching the object.
Another leading fingerprint researcher of the time was Juan Vucetich. Vuchetich worked as a statistician at the Central Police Department in La Plata, Argentina, until he was promoted to the Anthropometric Identification Bureau head. Vuchetich, having studied Galton’s research, began experimenting with fingerprints in 1891 (Leo, 2005). He took fingerprints from employees to prevent the rehiring of laid-off workers. The use of fingerprints has been a great help in preventing fraud.
The systematic scientific nature of the development of fingerprinting (a method of identifying a person by fingerprints) is associated with the name of William Herschel. In 1858, working as a secretary in the Indian region of Janipur discovered strange marks on various surfaces. Then, over 19 years, Herschel created his card index, where he entered many people’s fingerprints. As a result of regular and detailed work, one person’s fingerprints never match those of another since the papillary lines always form unique patterns. Subsequently, William Herschel became convinced that fingerprints remain unchanged over time, which led him to realize the practical significance of his discovery. However, Herschel’s idea of creating fingerprint files to prevent fraud was not supported.
Today, identifying a person affects not only events related to the investigation of crimes. Modern Russian legislation, along with the development of digital technologies, uses biometric parameters to identify citizens and to provide them access to a specific database, classified information, bank cells, and other important documents. Furthermore, in many countries, fingerprints are taken from persons arriving in the country or obtaining a visa.
The use of fingerprint identification dates back to ancient times, although today, the use of DNA evidence is considered more accurate. In ancient China, fingerprints and fingerprints on clay tablets and seals were used as signatures. It took about a century to create a viable identification system that efficiently handled large amounts of information. Research has led to the fact that fingerprints have become a means of individualization and a forensic tool of priceless value. Today, the science of fingerprints continues to develop along with other research in biometrics.
References
Barnes, J. G. (2010). History. In Fingerprint Sourcebook (pp. 1–22). Chapter, National Institute of Justice.
Grey, T. (2013). Impact of time, weathering and surface type on fingerprinting.
Leo, W. (2005) What are the effects of the Daubert decision on fingerprint identification? CLPE.
Teicher, A. (2022). Kristine Bonnevie’s theories on the genetics of fingerprints, and their application in Germany.Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, 92, 162–176.