Dermatoglyphics

Dermatoglyphics is the study of the pattern on fingers and hands. These patterns are unique and are heavily linked with one’s genetic composition and are closely related to our nervous system. In the other words, Dermatoglyphics can reveal our intrinsic qualities and talents.

Since 1920s, Dermatoglyphics has been studied in the medical field, especially in relation to genetically-linked diseases. The study has absolute scientific basis, with 200 years of research. It is analyzed and proven with evidence in anthropology, genetics, medicine and statistics.

Dermatoglyphic Medical Study:

Ancient China Thumb prints were found on clay seals

1684 Dr. Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712) presented Finger Prints, Palms and Soles An Introduction To Dermatoglyphics to the Royal Society

1685 Dr.Bidloo published an anatomical atlas, Anatomia Humani Corporis, with illustrations showing the human figure both in living attitudes and as dissected cadavers

1686 Dr. Marcello Malphigi (1628-1694) noted in his treatise; ridges, spirals and loops in fingerprints

1788 J.C.Mayer was the first to write out basic tenets of fingerprint analysis and theorised that fingerprints were unique

1823 Dr. Jan Purkinje classified the papillary lines on the fingertips into nine types: arch, tented arch, ulna loop, radial loop, peacock’s eye/compound, spiral whorl, elliptical whorl, circular whorl, and double loop/composite.

1823 Joannes Evangelista Purkinji found that the patterns on one’s finger tips and the ridges and lines on one’s prints begin to form at around the thirteenth week in the womb.

1832 Dr. Charles Bell (1774-1842) was one of the first physicians to combine the scientific study of neuroanatomy with clinical practice. He published The Hand: Its Mechanism and Vital Endowments as Evincing Design.

1893 Dr. Francis Galton published his book, “Fingerprints”, establishing the individuality and permanence offingerprints. The book included the first classification system for fingerprints: Arch, Loop, and Whorl.

1897 Harris Hawthorne Wilder was the first American to study dermatoglyphics.
He invented the Main Line Index, studied thenar hypothenar eminencies, zones II, III, IV.

1926 Dr. Harold Cummins & Dr. Charles Midlo coined the term “dermatoglyphics”. They showed that the hand contained significant dermatoglyphic configurations that would assist the identification of mongolism in the new-born child.

1936 Dr. Harold Cummins & Dr. Charles Midlo also researched the embryo-genesis of skin ridge patterns and established that the fingerprint patterns actually develop in the womb and are fully formed by the fourth fetal month.

1957 Dr.Walker used the dermal configurations in the diagnosis of mongolism

1969 John J. Mulvihill, MD and David W. Smith, MD published The Genesis of Dermatoglyphics that provides the most up to date version of how fingerprints form.

Types of Fingerprints

Simple Arch – Practical, realistic, efficient but conservative
Ulnar Loop – Emotional, adapts fast and strong in interaction
Concentric Whorl – Independent, competitive, firm (stubborn) and proactive
Spiral Whorl – Highly intuitive, goal oriented but can be emotional
Composite Whorl – Can be a multi-tasking person and have systematic thinking pattern
Variant – Multi-faceted nature of the show, the more volatile
Tented Arch – Has the characteristics of impulsive passion, absorb information like sponges
Radial Loop – More self-centered, love to reverse operation
Impolding Horl – Often easy as one of dual-use, can have increased confidence in goal
Peacock’s Eye – With a high degree of understanding ability, literacy, and have unique understanding and ability in arts