| Author | Message | ||
     Kasey Wertheim |
Kathy, I would say no; there is not enough information contained within this text that would help a latent print examiner do their job better, or even understand their science further. As you know, most of the medical research that has been done on volar pattern formation was conducted to further understand the effects of genetics on certain aspects of the patterns we see. It was soon realized that more must be known about the pattern itself (ie. exactly what causes a delta or a nose of a loop) before statistical studies of these elements could acurately point them in any meaningful direction. This text details the general direction of past study in this area, and brings the reader up to speed on current research in the medical community on the association of dermatoglyphic patterning with certain medical conditions and genetic abnormalities. This book does not, as you mention, address, on any significant level, the formation of ridge details. That's not to say that studies of volar pattern formation are not useful. However, it would be heavy reading and would offer little practical value to the average latent print examiner. On the other hand, if a complete, well-rounded understanding of the elements which affect the formation of volar patterns is desired, this book would be an excellent reference. Also, if a very detailed study of individuality were being conducted, it would offer insight into the uniqueness of level 1 detail. But if there was even a chance you would enjoy it, it would be worth the $100! I guarantee you would learn something you didn't know! :) -Kasey P.S. Thanks for the compliment on the article! :) | ||
| Kathy Saviers |
Kasey - is "The State of Dermatoglyphics: The Science of Finger and Palm Prints" by Durham, Fox and Plato worth the $100 price tag? Is there enough in there to give the average latent print examiner more background in the formation of ridge details to understand the science better or is it more for researchers, such as you and Alice? (Loved your article in the Jan-Feb 2002 issue of the JFI) |
