14 Questions
When do fingerprint patterns begin to form?
At the beginning of the 10th week of pregnancy
What is the center of a loop or whorl in a fingerprint called?
Core
What type of fingerprint is left on smooth surfaces due to the transfer of substances from the hands?
Patent fingerprints
How many individual ridge characteristics are found in a fingerprint?
150
What are latent fingerprints?
Hidden fingerprints caused by body secretions
How can latent fingerprints be made visible?
By dusting with fine carbon powder and lifting with sticky tape
What is the name of the seal carved by Emperor Te'in Shi of China that involved fingerprints?
Jade Seal
What is a major advantage of fingerprints over DNA in personal identification?
Fingerprints offer an infallible means of personal identification
What is the study of the classification of fingerprints and a method of personal identification based on fingerprint patterns?
Dactyloscopy
What is the term for the scientific examination or study of the sweat pores for identification purposes?
Poroscopy
What is the term for the scientific examination or study of the soles of the feet?
Podoscopy
At what stage of pregnancy do fingerprint patterns begin to form?
Not specified in the content
What is the name of the system that was replaced by fingerprinting as a method of personal identification?
Bertillon System
What is an impression made by the ridges on the inside of the last joint of the fingers and thumb on any surface?
Fingerprint
Study Notes
History of Fingerprinting
- The Chinese were the first known users of fingerprints, referring to them as "Hua Chi".
- Emperor Te'in Shi of China devised a seal carved from white jade with the owner's name on one side and the thumb impression on the other.
Personal Identification
- Fingerprints offer an infallible means of personal identification, unlike DNA, which can be identical in identical twins.
- The Bertillon System was used for identification, but it was eventually replaced by fingerprinting due to the West case in 1903.
Fingerprint Definition
- A fingerprint is an impression made by the ridges on the inside of the last joint of the fingers and thumb on any surface through the medium of sweat, inks, or other ingredients capable of producing visibility.
Branches of Fingerprinting
- Dactyloscopy is the study of the classification of fingerprints and a method of personal identification based on fingerprint patterns.
- Poroscopy is the scientific examination or study of the sweat pores for identification purposes.
- Chiroscopy is the scientific examination or study of the palms of the hands.
- Podoscopy is the scientific examination or study of the soles of the feet.
Fingerprint Formation
- Fingerprint patterns begin to form at the beginning of the 10th week of pregnancy.
- The epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (inner layer) of the skin are involved in fingerprint formation.
Fingerprint Patterns
- The basic fingerprint patterns are loops, whorls, and arches.
- The center of a loop or whorl in a fingerprint is called the core.
- The triangular region near a loop in a fingerprint is called a delta.
Fingerprint Characteristics
- There are approximately 150 individual ridge characteristics in a fingerprint.
Types of Fingerprints
- Patent fingerprints are visible prints left on smooth surfaces when blood, ink, etc., comes in contact with the hands and is then transferred to that surface.
- Plastic fingerprints are indentations left in soft materials such as clay, putty, or wax.
- Latent fingerprints are hidden fingerprints, caused by the transfer of oils and other body secretions onto a surface.
- Latent fingerprints can be made visible by dusting with fine carbon powder and lifting with sticky tape, or by using chemicals for rough surfaces.
Explore the origins of fingerprinting and its early uses. Discover how the Chinese utilized fingerprints and what they called them.
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