FINGER-PRINTS

The use of fingerprints for ceremonial purposes is of early date. Its employment, however, for criminal identification was introduced in the late 19th Century. As the skin-markings of the fingers remain the same from childhood to old age, it has been found extremely valuable. Impresciuns are taken by placing the bulb of the finger on an inked slab and afterwards pre ing it on a white paper slip. The slips are cla ified under various headings, of which the principal are posites.’