fingerprint

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

fingerprint patterns

A real-life forensic technique: Aging fingerprints

taking fingerprints

Federal Bureau of Investigation: fingerprinting expert

police officer: collecting fingerprints

The science of fingerprint analysis in crime solving

For Students

fingerprinting summary

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fingerprint: References & Edit History

More Articles On This Topic

Assorted References

dactyloscopy
- In dactyloscopy
function of ridges
- In hand
human skin pattern and marking
- In human skin: The skin surface
use in criminal investigation

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

J. Edgar Hoover
Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., 1924–72.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Modified link of Web site: PNAS - Longitudinal study of fingerprint recognition.	Emily Rodriguez	Nov 06, 2024
	Add new Web site: CORE - Scope analysis of different kinds of fingerprint.	Yamini Chauhan	Jul 17, 2024
	Add new Web site: Rutgers University - Introduction: What are Fingerprints?	Gloria Lotha	Jun 06, 2024
	Add new Web site: The University of Arizona - Department of Mathematics - Fingerprint formation.	Gloria Lotha	Jan 09, 2024
	Add new Web site: Academia - Fingerprints.	Aakanksha Gaur	Oct 06, 2023
	Add new Web site: MedlinePlus - Are fingerprints determined by genetics?	Aakanksha Gaur	Aug 25, 2023
	Add new Web site: PNAS - Longitudinal study of fingerprint recognition.	Aakanksha Gaur	Jul 13, 2023
	Add new Web site: Nature - Forensics, DNA Fingerprinting, and CODIS.	Aakanksha Gaur	Jun 02, 2023
	Add new Web site: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Biography of Robert Schumann.	Gloria Lotha	Apr 14, 2023
	Add new Web site: Live Science - Why Do We Have Fingerprints?	Aakanksha Gaur	Feb 03, 2023
	Removed media.	Adam Augustyn	Jul 30, 2021
	Media added.	Michele Metych	Apr 14, 2016
	Added video.	Amy Tikkanen	Feb 03, 2015
	Added image of fingerprint document.	Jeannette L. Nolen	May 05, 2011
	Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Science - How Fingerprinting Works.	Shiveta Singh	Feb 10, 2009
	Added new Web site: Michigan Reach Out - Fingerprinting.	Gita Liesangthem	Apr 25, 2007
	Article revised.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Feb 28, 2003
	Article added to new online database.	The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica	Jul 20, 1998