or the counterfeiter. In any case where the authenticity of the paper
might be questioned, the finger-print would serve as absolute
guarantee. In stenographic correspondence, where there might be
inducements to write unauthorized letters on the part of some person
with wrong intent, the imprint of finger or thumb would make the
possibility of fraud too remote for fears. For, in addition to the
security of signatures in real documents, the danger in attempting
frauds of this kind is increased.

As to the physical necessaries in registering fingerprints, they are
simple and inexpensive. A block of wood faced with smooth tin or zinc
the size of an octavo volume, a small ink roller, and a tube of black
ink are all that are required. For removing the ink on thumb or finger
a towel and alcohol cleanser are sufficient. A tip impression or a
"rolled" finger signature may be used. Only a few seconds are required
for the operation.

In giving big checks merchants and bankers would be protected by the
thumb-print system. A merchant could place the print of his right
index finger to the left of his signature on a check. The bank would
have a print, together with the merchant's signature on file. Only a
few seconds would be necessary to convince the paying teller as to its
genuineness. The merchant, also, if necessary, could place a light
print of the index finger over the amount of the check where written
in figures. Any attempt to erase the figures would destroy the
finger-print. If the figures were raised, the one doing so would be
unable to place a finger-print in the same space that would correspond
with the one at the bottom of the check beside the signature, and the
raising of the check would immediately be discovered in the bank where
the check was presented.