Science Stuff

[Scorpio]

You think.The qualities of fingerprinting as a system for identification was already established, but it would take time for a accepted system of classification to be established also. Just like early DNA you would need a comparison sample taken from suspects or unwitting donors in the absense of an established database.

[Graham]

The first criminal identification via fingerprinting wasn't until 1892, and Scotland Yard's Fingerprint Department wasn't set up until 1902. Even though Conan Doyle had mentioned fingerprints in at least one Sherlock Holmes story prior to that date.

Graham

[The Good Michael]

Fingerprinting wasn't used at that time. I'm sure there were enough policeman in the room touching things to have made them inconclusive. Of course no one had fingerprint records as well.

Mike

[Scorpio]

What were the chances of useable fingerprints being found at 13 Millers Court in the aftermath of Kelly's murder?. Detectives searched the room thoroughly but they made no mention of " dabs " or " finger marks " in there reports . " Dabs " refer to Patent prints,fingerprints that are openly visible to the human eye, which have been caused by the transfer of foriegn materials such as ink,blood or dirt onto a surface.However,the possibility remains that Latent prints were available. Latent, which means hidden, refer to fingerprints that are not openly visible to the human eye being most associated with natural lubricants commonly found on the skin that adheres to hard,smooth surfaces when in contact. The Blackout Ripper, Gordon Cummins, was convicted with Latent print evidence which were removed from a tin opener. In the case of number13,the door latch,window pains,bedstead and table all suggest suitable surfaces for useable Latent prints to survive. Perhaps the real problem would be in identifying the prints rather than finding them,as, by all accounts,the room was filthy, and had seen various tennants passing through not to mention Kelly's possible clients and visitors.