Text-book of forensic medicine and toxicologyBuchanan, R. J. M. (Robert James McLean)
Science
Text-book of forensic medicine and toxicology
Buchanan, R. J. M. (Robert James McLean)
Medical jurisprudence; Poisons
Birth Marks.--The presence and characters of birth marks should be
noted for purposes of identification. Their removal may be possible,
but, except in such as are small and superficial, the process used
for removal leaves traces behind in the form of cicatrices or
irregularities of surface, which may generally be detected in oblique
light and with the aid of a good lens. Large moles or _nævi_ may he
excised, but a cicatrix will remain, which will differ in shape from
the original mark.
Congenital Deformities.--These offer no difficulty and are in many
cases permanent, such as intra-uterine amputations, constrictions,
abnormality of limbs, &c. Such conditions as hare-lip, cleft-palate,
herniæ;, &c., may be altered by surgical procedure, but leave permanent
records of this. Peculiarities in twins are interesting as to their
being of the “mirror image” or “identical” type.
Anthropometry.--This is principally used for the identity of habitual
criminals. The Bertillon method is based upon certain measurements of
the body, the principal of which are (1) the length of the head, (2)
width of head, (3) length of body, (4) length of trunk while sitting,
(5) distance between tips of mid-fingers with arms outstretched, (6)
length of left forearm, left middle finger, and left foot, (7) length
and width of right ear, (8) colour of irides. These measurements place
the person in one or other class, according to the special system of
classification.
[Illustration: Fig. 1.--First line (from left to right), plain
impressions of whorl (thumb), arch (second finger), radial loop
(forefinger).
Second line, rolled impressions of whorl (thumb), ulnar loop (fourth
finger).]
Finger Prints.--These are largely used as a means of identification
in criminal cases, either by prints left upon articles, or by
prints definitely made by the police authorities as a record for
identification purposes.
On articles, the finger prints may be rendered more visible by dusting
with some finely powdered material of dark colour which will adhere to
the impression, which may then be photographed and enlarged.
For purposes of record, the impressions are taken directly upon a
suitable surface of the bulbs of the fingers and thumbs after having
coated them with printer‘s ink. The impressions thus made show
individual peculiarities in the distribution and arrangement of the
ridges of the skin; and the chances of the markings of two individuals
being alike is about one in sixty-four millions. By means of the
pattern of these ridges, prints may be classified under the headings
of arches, whorls, and loops, with certain recognised modifications of
these. (See Figs. 1 and 2.)
[Illustration: Fig. 2.--First line (from left to right), plain
impressions of whorl (forefinger), ulnar loop (thumb), arch (second
finger).
Second line, rolled impressions of whorl (thumb), ulnar loop (third
finger).]
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