Biometry Collection

Fingerprint scanner. Persons finger being scanned by a fingerprint scanner. This scanner is being used to open a door. The ridges on peoples fingers form a unique identifying pattern

Thumbprint forensics, 19th century
Thumbprint forensics. Artwork from the tenth volume (second period of 1892) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree

Fingerprint records, 1924 C014 / 0459
Fingerprint records. 1920s application of fingerprinting technology to administer the bonus scheme established in the USA for World War I veterans

Wartime fingerprinting, 1917 C014 / 0460
Wartime fingerprinting. German being fingerprinted in New York City, USA, during the First World War (1914-1918). Research into fingerprinting developed throughout the 19th century

Military fingerprinting, 1930s C014 / 0461
Military fingerprinting. Uniformed man taking fingerprints during the 1930s. The ridges on the skin of human fingertips, a distinct and unique pattern

Fingerprints record, 1912 C014 / 0457
Fingerprints record, early 20th century. The ridges on the skin of human fingertips, a distinct and unique pattern, are an example of biometric data that can be recorded

Fingerprint analysis, 1918 C014 / 0458
Fingerprint analysis. Early 20th-century analysis of fingerprints, with a clerk using a loupe to examine the records. The ridges on the skin of human fingertips, a distinct and unique pattern

Fingerprint biometrics. Computer artwork of a hand (green), a finger tip (upper left), and symbols of men (blue) and women (pink). Fingerprints are the patterns of ridges on the tips of the fingers

Eye scanning

Personal ID card. Computer artwork of a womans hand holding a personal ID (identification) card. The eye and double helix symbols indicate that the unique personal identifiers on this card include

Iris scanning. Conceptual computer artwork of the scanning of the iris of a human eye. Iris scanning images the iris (unique to each individual), the coloured area surrounding the pupil of an eye

Biometric identification

Computer crime. Conceptual computer artwork of a hand touching a key on a keyboard. The target pattern could represent efforts to target and prevent internet and computer crime

Global ID card
Biometric ID card. Computer artwork of a personal ID (identification) card carrying biometric data, data on biological measurements

Biometric ID card. Computer artwork of a personal ID (identification) card carrying biometric data, data on biological measurements

Biometric ID cards. Computer artwork of personal ID (identification) cards carrying biometric data, data on biological measurements

Human eye, computer artwork

Fingerprint scanning. Computer artwork of a fingerprint scan with markings (red dots) showing the positions of characteristic features

Fingerprinting suspect
MODEL RELEASED. Fingerprinting suspect. Inked finger of a suspect who is being fingerprinted. The ink is applied to below the first knuckle

Forensic DNA analysis
MODEL RELEASED. Forensic DNA analysis. Forensic scientist holding a vial containing DNA amplified from a trace amount found at a crime scene. The DNA is the cloudy strand at the base of the vial

Recording thumbprint. Inked thumb of a suspect who is being fingerprinted. The ink is applied to the tip of the digit and this is rolled once over the paper to record a print of the whole surface

Fingerprint analysis. Forensic scientist pointing at fingerprints being compared by characteristic features (square yellow markers)

Genetic individuality, computer artwork
Genetic individuality. Conceptual computer artwork showing the ability of human genetic information to be translated into digital binary code for biometric purposes

Genetic identity. Conceptual computer artwork of a hand, a fingerprint and a DNA microarray. These represent genetic fingerprinting and genetic identity

Footprint forensics, 19th century
Footprint forensics. Artwork from the tenth volume (second period of 1892) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree

Handprint forensics, 19th century
Handprint forensics. Artwork from the tenth volume (second period of 1892) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree

1893 Francis Galton criminal photograph
This Anthropometry photograph was taken of the polymath Francis Galton at age 71 when he visited Bertillous Criminal Identification Laboratory in Paris 1893

Biometric identification conceptual image
Biometric identification, conceptual image. Conceptual computer artwork of an eye made out of a fingerprint, representing the use of retinal scans and fingerprints to confirm a persons identity

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Biometry, the science of using unique physical characteristics for identification and authentication purposes, has come a long way since its inception. One of the most well-known biometric techniques is fingerprint scanning, which dates back to thumbprint forensics in the 19th century. In 1924, fingerprint records were officially introduced with the code C014 / 0459. These records revolutionized criminal investigations by providing law enforcement agencies with an efficient method to identify suspects based on their fingerprints. Similarly, wartime fingerprinting in 1917 (C014 / 0460) and military fingerprinting in the 1930s (C014 / 0461) played crucial roles in ensuring national security during times of conflict. The significance of fingerprints as a means of identification can be traced even further back to early records like those from 1912 (C014 / 0457). Fingerprint analysis conducted in 1918 (C014 /0458) further solidified their importance as a reliable biometric tool. However, biometry encompasses more than just fingerprints. Eye scanning is another widely used technique within this field. By capturing intricate details such as iris patterns or blood vessels within the eye, eye scanning provides an additional layer of security and accuracy when it comes to personal identification. Fingerprint biometrics have become increasingly prevalent across various industries due to their convenience and effectiveness. From unlocking smartphones with a simple touch to securing access control systems at high-security facilities, fingerprint scanning has become an integral part of our daily lives. As technology continues to advance rapidly, so does the field of biometry. With ongoing research and development efforts focused on enhancing accuracy and expanding capabilities beyond traditional methods like fingerprints and eye scans, we can expect exciting breakthroughs that will shape the future landscape of this fascinating discipline.