NCJ Number
70293
Journal
Acta Morphologica Neerlando-scandivica Issue: 1 Dated: (1980) Pages: 67-83
Date Published
1980
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The results of an investigation of the biological minutiae necessary to identify fingerprints are presented. The formerly assumed average minutiae count is questioned and accompanying factors recognized.
Abstract
The fingerprint patterns of 100 Dutch males were investigated. Prints were lifted from all 10 fingers of the subjects, and minutiae were counted within the cells of a superimposed 20 x 20 millimeter grid. Few fingers were found to have a total of more than 100 minutiae the traditionally assumed average. The average minutiae found on right hands ranged between 65 and 69; average minutiae on the left hand ranged between 75, and 79. In many cases, however, the total number of minutiae per finger was below 75 and the range of this count was between 35 and 129. The number of minutiae varied by the type of fingerprint pattern -- loops, arches, and whorls. The number of minutiae present was also dependent on individual characteristics such as finger characteristics, sex, and population group. Tabular data, graphs, charts, and 9 references are included.