The development of fingerprinting has come a long way from where it initially began in pre-historic times. The usage of finger printing can be dated back to Ancient Babylon, although in this time fingerprints were not used as they are used in today’s date. The advancements in fingerprinting knowledge have lead to modern fingerprinting technology and databases. There are specific milestones that have contributed in this progression.
Previously, in the early years, finger printing was not recognized as a valuable means of identification. Finger printing began as something similar to a signature. Fingerprints or hand and palm impressions were believed to make the contracts more binding than just signing them. It was not until some very observant men is history realized that there was more to finger prints than originally thought that we came to far advancements in knowledge of fingerprints and identification.
The first milestone in fingerprinting is the realization that fingerprints are unique and no two are the same. In the 14th century, one government official observed that no two-finger prints were alike while studying government papers. This was a vital realization. It set a foundation of knowledge for fingerprinting, it is essential to understand that there are no fingerprints that are the same, it helps one to understand that the details are essential when it comes to this area of study. In addition it set in motion the idea that fingerprints can be used to prove identities since each print is unique and not the same as any other.
The second milestone in fingerprinting is the discovery that fingerprints indeed may be used to prove and or disprove identity. Sir William Hershel of 1856 noted that fingerprints were unique to each individual and permanent throughout life, thus coming to the conclusion that fingerprints can prove identity. These facts are what inspired the expansion of the use of fingerprinting.
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