Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 63.djvu/412

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408
POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY.

is the case with the second and fourth digital lines in the print given here (Fig. 5).

These difficulties, especially that of the extra-limital position of the digital triradii, certainly prove a barrier towards the application of the same system as in the palm; yet, with some adjustment to conditions, this would still seem to be feasible. A diagram assigning numerical designations to the Fig. 7. Diagram of a Left Sole, showing the designations to be used in making the descriptive formulæ. Compare with Fig. 3. different terminal regions is given here (Fig. 7) which may be compared with the similar one referring to the palm (Fig. 3).

A more detailed account of the sole formulation is not within the space limit of the present article, but enough has been given to suggest how this may be accomplished. I would especially emphasize the practicability of the use of the hallucal pattern, perhaps even in a primary classification, which recommends itself by its large size, its conspicuous character, and its ready divisibility into definite types.

Lastly, there remains only a short discussion of the means of recording and filing away prints, the amount of space they would occupy and their consequent feasibility as a means of recording all citizens, as advocated in the previous article. The prints themselves should he taken upon smooth but not glazed unruled paper of a suitable size, one of of about 35 X 21.5 cm. (14 x 812 inches) for the hands, and one of 35 x 28 cm. (14 x 11 inches) for the feet. Upon each of these the respective prints should be arranged in the natural order, that is, the left upon the left side, etc. There is enough blank paper left in such a piece to record any details necessary about the person; the name, date of birth, nationality, and even the Bertillon measurements.

As in the Galton system the formulæ may be written at one end, most conveniently the left, so that an especial case could be found by turning over a pile of papers as in selecting a page in a book; or else