Who is associated with the foundational concepts in fingerprint identification through his research on friction ridges?

Johannes Purkinje is closely associated with the foundational concepts in fingerprint identification due to his pioneering research on the structure and nature of friction ridges. In the 19th century, Purkinje identified and classified different patterns of fingerprint ridges, which laid the groundwork for later developments in fingerprint science. His work was significant in understanding how individual patterns can be used for personal identification, making him a key figure in the history of forensic science.

Additionally, Purkinje’s classification system divided fingerprints into distinct types based on their patterns, which has influenced modern fingerprinting methods. His contributions were essential in establishing fingerprints as a reliable means of identification, which is crucial in various fields, including criminal justice and biometrics. This foundational work by Purkinje was instrumental in the evolution of fingerprint analysis techniques that are still in use today.