USES OF FINGER-PRINTS.
Classification and Uses of Finger-Prints. By E. R. Henry, C.S.I. (Indian Civil Service). (G. Routledge and Sons. 2s.)—Sir William Herschel introduced the use of finger-prints into India, as a safe- guard against personation, but failed to convince the Goveinment of its importance, and after his departure it was abandoned. But in consequence of the investigations of Mr. Francis Galton, the subject was taken up again, and has latterly been largely used in India, to guard against impersonation, the repudiation of con- tracts, &c., as well as in criminal investigations. At length the Government of India have recognised its importance, and last year passed a special Act in Council legalising such evidence, and they have also ordered the present volume to be prepared as a book of reference. It includes a short history of the subject, directions for taking finger-imprints, and full explanations, illustrated by more than two hundred diagrams, of the mode of classifying the marks. It is claimed that finger-prints are much more reliable, as well as obviously far less cumbersome, than anthropo- metric measurements. The book is too condensed and technical to admit of detailed notice, but will be found indispensable to those who are interested in the curious and still somewhat novel ' subject to which it relates.
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