Sir,

As an ardent student of your writings I trust I may venture to address you on a subject of interest. I allude to the rugae or furrows on the palmar surface of the human hand. These form singular and intricate patterns which vary in detail with each individual but may be classed according to their leading lines without much difficulty— Now, I have been led to study these in prehistoric pottery & I am engaged in what proves a somewhat difficult task—collecting data from all quarters of such ancient impressions & comparing them with similar impressions of living men of all races— Already I see some glimpses of light but facts are hard to get in sufficient numbers.¹ The few monkeys &c which I have got show similar but somewhat different markings & if man’s origin has been from organised ‘dust’ perhaps a comparative study of lemuroids &c may yield results of real value— I hope for this & have bethought myself of your powerful aid— A word or two would set observers working everywhere.

I enclose a filled up form & can send a number to any one who wishes them.

The practical value,—and Englishmen will look for that,—is in the work of Identification in medico legal studies, thus.

1. Copies of palmar impressions of convicted criminals—as photographs now are used— the latter become unlike the original, the rugae, never

2. In cases like that of ‘Tichborne?’ Are his rugae of the Tichborne or Orton type?—for heredity rules here marvellously.²

3. In cases where mutilated remains are found & various people are missing   The rugae again may be compared with that of parents &c

4. Where impressions exist of bloody fingers by a murderer, or prints on fresh paint or drinking glasses, windows &c by a robber—

&c

The Chinese, I find since entering on this enquiry, take impressions of this kind from criminals, as our servant girls used to seal their letters with their thumbs. (The Japanese as the ancient Egyptians, use their finger nail.)

Hoping you may find this to be of interest

I remain | Your obliged reader | Henry Faulds | Surgeon Supt. of Hospital