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The history of fingerprint identification is long and rich from "summary" of Forensic Fingerprints by Max M. Houck
The history of fingerprint identification stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating as far back as ancient Babylon. It is a history filled with fascinating stories of innovation and discovery, as early civilizations began to recognize the unique and permanent nature of fingerprints as a means of identification. The Chinese were among the first to use fingerprints for forensic purposes, using inked fingerprints on documents as a form of signature as early as the 7th century. In the 19th century, the study of fingerprints took a significant leap forward with the work of Sir William Herschel in India. Herschel began using fingerprints as a means of identification for prisoners and workers, recognizing the individuality and permanence of these unique patterns. His work paved the way for the development of modern fingerprint identification techniques and practices. The real breakthrough in fingerprint identification came in the late 19th century with the work of Sir Francis Galton and Sir Edward Henry in England. Galton's research on the statistical probability of fingerprint matches laid the foundation for modern fingerprint identification, while Henry's classification system revolutionized the way fingerprints were organized and compared. Their work laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of fingerprint identification as a forensic tool. Throughout the 20th century, fingerprint identification continued to evolve and improve, with advancements in technology and methodology making it an indispensable tool for law enforcement and forensic investigation. The development of automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) in the late 20th century further revolutionized the field, allowing for rapid and accurate matching of fingerprints on a large scale. Today, fingerprint identification remains one of the most reliable and widely used methods of forensic identification, with fingerprints being used to solve crimes, identify victims, and exonerate the innocent. The long and rich history of fingerprint identification is a testament to the enduring value of this unique and irreplaceable form of identification.
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