ABSTRACT
Why is a basic working knowledge of history important for the fingerprint examiner? Regardless of which type of forensic science one chooses to practice, it is important to know the major players and events that formed the subdiscipline. Knowing where we came from gives us a better understanding of where we are now as scientists and also where the science is headed. What are the future capabilities of the science? What type of research is necessary to advance the science? If you are studying to become a forensic scientist, you are the future of the science. The most effective scientist has a solid grasp of the history and development of the science.
