The use of fingerprint ID goes back to ancient times. The pioneer in fingerprint identification was Sir Francis Galton, who was the first to show scientifically how fingerprints could be used to identify individuals. Beginning in the 1880s, Galton studied fingerprints to seek out hereditary traits. He determined through his studies that no two fingerprints are exactly alike, in fact even identical twins do not have the same fingerprint characteristics. Galton published a book on his findings in 1892 in which he pointed out that there were specific types of fingerprint patterns.
He described and classified them into eight broad categories: 1: plain arch, 2: tented arch, 3: simple loop, 4: central pocket loop, 5: double loop, 6: lateral pocket loop, 7: plain whorl, and 8: accidental.
These classifications are still used today. His findings also showed that fingerprints remain constant throughout an individual's lifetime.
Today in modern times, fingerprints are captured with the use of biometrics systems. A fingerprint scanner or electronic device is used to capture a digital image of the fingerprint pattern.
Sources:
[1] Unknown. “Fingerprints: The First ID.” Findlaw, 14 Feb. 2019, www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-procedure/fingerprints-the-first-id.html.
[2] Unknown, Author. “Francis Galton.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Galton#Fingerprints.