In the more important and complicated transactions in bank paper one
bank may forward from the bank itself the finger print proofs of
identity. The whole field of such necessities is open to adapted uses
of the method. Notes given by one bank to another in high figures
may be protected in every way by these imprints. Stock issues and
institution bonds would be worthy of the thumb print precautions,
as would be every other form of paper which might tempt either the
forger or the counterfeiter. In any case, where the authenticity of
the paper might be questioned the finger print would serve as absolute
guarantee. In stenographic correspondence, where there might be
inducements to write unauthorized letters on the part of some person
with wrong intent, the imprint of finger or thumb would make the
possibility of fraud too remote for fears. For, in addition to the
security of signatures in real documents, the danger in attempting
frauds of this kind is increased.
The beauty of the finger print system is that there is absolutely
no chance for error. The finger prints of the child of eighteen
months will be the same as the finger prints of the man of eighty. No
laceration, wound, or mutilation can disturb the essentials of the
outline of the finger print. The only escape for the criminal is to
cut off all of his fingers, and even then the toe prints would be as
effective.
As to the physical necessities in registering finger prints, they are
simple and inexpensive. A block of wood faced with smooth tin or zinc
the size of an octavo volume, a small ink roller, and a tube of black
ink are all that is required. For removing the ink on the thumb or
finger a towel and alcohol cleanser are sufficient. A tip impression
or a "rolled" finger signature may be used. Only a few seconds are
required for the operation.
[Illustration: The Bertillon System of Identification
Instruments used in the measurement of criminals by the Bertillon
system of measurements.]