MBD
7-(P-Methoxybenzlamino-4Notrobenz-2-Oxa-1,3-Diazile). Yellow dye which produces a
fluorescent product when exposed to selected wavelengths of light; used to visualize
cyanoacrylate fumed friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
A fluorescent dye stain used with an alternate light source to visualize cyanoacrylate ester fumed
friction ridge detail. Optimum viewing is done with an alternate light source (435nm-535nm) and
orange or red goggles.
MCP’s
Major Case Prints.
MMD
Multimetal Deposition. Two step process using a colloidal gold and a modified Physical
Developer solution to visualize friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
MRM-10
Combination of Basic Yellow 40, Rhodamine 6G and MBD dyes which produce fluorescence
when exposed to selected wavelengths of light; used to visualize cyanoacrylate fumed friction
ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet. Manufacturers’ information concerning the handling and use of a
chemical.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
5-MTN
Methylthioninhydrin. A reagent that reacts with amino acids to develop friction ridge detail on
porous items.
MXRF
Micro-X-ray Fluorescence. A new fingerprint visualization technique developed by University of
California scientists working at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MXRF is a noninvasive method
that uses X-rays to detect elements like sodium, potassium and chlorine. This technique was
described at the 229th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in March 2005.
Macrodactyly
Congenitally abnormal largeness of fingers or toes.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Magnetic Powder (aka Magna Powder)
Available since the early 1960’s, magnetic powder is used to process an object with the purpose
of visualizing friction ridge detail. Magnetic powder looks similar to regular black powder but
contains iron to establish a magnetic affect. It is commonly black but is available in a wide range
of colors. Magnetic powder is best used on paper, plastic, glass, and vinyl objects (any
nonmagnetic surface) and is applied by using a magnetic powder applicator. The advantage of
using a magnetic powder instead of a regular latent print powder is that with magnetic powder the
brush never touches the latent print, avoiding possible damage to the latent print. Also, magnetic
powder doesn’t become airborne as easily as regular latent print powders, resulting in less
powder being inhaled by the user.
http://www.crimeandclues.com/magneticpowder.htm 07-11-2004
The magnetic powder process was developed by Herbert Leon MacDonell (July 23, 1928 – April
11, 2019).
See Fingerprint Powders.
Major
A value derived from the pattern types of the thumbs.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Major Case Prints
Major Case Prints are a recording of all ridge detail appearing on the hands, including the
extreme sides of the palms (the writer’s palm and the grip print), joints, tips, and sides of the
fingers, and wrist area.
A systematic recording of the friction ridge detail appearing on the palmar sides of the hands.
This includes the extreme sides of the palms, joints, tips, and sides of the fingers (also known as
complete friction ridge exemplars).
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
See Complete Friction Ridge Exemplars.
Maleic Acid
Weak acid used in an aqueous solution as a pre-wash step for the Physical Developer Process.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Malpighi, Marcello (1628-1694)
Pronounced Mal-pee-gee.
An Italian anatomist who worked as a Professor of Anatomy at the University of Bologna. He
described the patterns on the fingers while doing an overall study of the skin but never mentioned
their value for identification. He is credited as being the first person to study fingerprints under a
microscope. A layer of skin is named after him, known as the “Malpighian Layer”. Malpighi
described ridges and pores in De Externo Tactus Organo, first published in Naples 1665 and then
later in London in 1686.
See Stratum Germinativum.
Mark
Term commonly used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries to designate a
latent print.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Masking
Concealing irrelevant information in an attempt to diminish the information from subliminally
effecting an analytical decision.
Matrix
The formative part of a fingerprint; the substance that is actually deposited by the finger and
eventually developed, i.e., sweat, foreign material, sebaceous oils, blood, etc.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
The substance that is deposited or removed by the friction ridge skin when making an impression.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Maxilon Flavone 10GFF
See Basic Yellow 40. See Panacryl Brilliant Flavone 10GFF.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Mayer, Johann Christoph Andreas (1788)
During the 1700’s, Mayer was the first to recognize that although specific friction ridge
arrangements may be similar, they are never duplicated.
http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/scientific_researchers.html 03-08-2003
Mayfield, Brandon
Brandon Mayfield is a U.S. citizen who in May of 2004 was wrongfully arrested as a material
witness with regard to a terrorism attack in Spain. His arrest was due to an erroneous fingerprint
identification made by 3 FBI Examiners and 1 private fingerprint expert. The fingerprint was later
identified to Algerian national Ouhnane Daoud. In November 2006 Mayfield was awarded a $2
million dollar settlement by the U.S. Justice Department. The settlement also included an
apology and an agreement to destroy communications intercepts conducted by the FBI against
Mayfield’s home and office during the investigation. The Justice Department added that Mayfield was not
targeted because of his Muslim faith.
McClaughry, Major Robert Wilson (1839-1920)
McClaughry is acknowledged as the person responsible for implementing the Bertillon system in
the United States. In 1887, he implemented this system while working as the Warden of the
Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet. In 1899, McClaughry became the Warden of Leavenworth
Prison. After hearing a lecture from Ferrier in 1904, McClaughry implemented a fingerprint
system at Leavenworth. In 1923-1924 this collection of fingerprint cards along with those from
the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s were merged together to form the Identification
Unit of the FBI in Washington DC.
McClaughry, Matthew Wilson (6/19/1871-3/14/1922)
The son of R. W. McClaughry and the records clerk at Leavenworth Prison during the
implementation of its fingerprint system.
McKie Case
Pronounced McKee.
See Errors.
McMorris, John
John McMorris developed the fuming pipe used in conjunction with iodine to develop friction ridge
detail on porous items. For a short time it was known as the McMorris Fuming Pipe. He also
developed the iodine-silver plate transfer method used for recovering latent prints. He presented
this process at the IAI California Division Conference in 1936.
http://www.scafo.org/About_SCAFO/scafo_history.html 10-12-2004
McRoberts, Alan
In 1971, Mr. McRoberts began his career with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and
remained there until his retirement in 2002. His duties included investigating, comparing,
instructing, creating training and procedural manuals, and supervising. During his career, he was
extremely active in forensic educational organizations, such as the IAI, the California Division of
the IAI, and SCAFO. In 1991, he was the president of SCAFO. In 1999/2000, he was the
president of the California division of the IAI, and he was the editor of the Journal of Forensic
Identification from 2002-2023. He was a Fellow of the Fingerprint Society, a member of the
American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and one of the organizers of the Southern California
Laser Study Group. He wrote and presented more than 25 educational papers and articles, and
was extremely active in setting industry standards, including being a member of SWGFAST from
1995-2013 and the Chairperson from 2000-2006.
In recognition of his commitment, dedication, and contributions to the fingerprint discipline, Alan
McRoberts has been presented with many prestigious awards including the SCAFO
Distinguished Member Award, SCAFO’s Charles Wolford Award, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s
Department’s Distinguished Service Award, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s
Exemplary Service Award.
Medial
At or near the center.
SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Medial Interphalangeal Flexion Crease
The middle crease on a finger.
Melanocyte
Skin cell that is able to produce melanin and can be found in the basal layer of the epidermis.
http://skincancer.dermis.net/glossary/index_html?query_start=51
Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts
See Supreme Court of the United States, Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts.
Merbromin
Reagent used to detect / enhance bloody friction ridge detail; produces a fluorescent product
when exposed to excitation at selected wavelengths.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Mercuric Nitrate
Chemical used as a clearing agent for silver staining.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Merkel Cells
Sensory receptor cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis.
Mesenchyme
The part of the embryonic mesoderm, consisting of loosely packed, unspecialized cells set in a
gelatinous ground substance, from which connective tissue, bone, cartilage, and the circulatory
and lymphatic systems develop.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=mesenchyme
The bone and the dermis are formed from mesenchyme, which is derived from the mesoderm in
an embryo.
Mesoderm
The middle embryonic germ layer, lying between the ectoderm and the endoderm, from which
connective tissue, muscle, bone, and the urogenital and circulatory systems develop.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=mesoderm 05-30-2003
Metacarpo-phalangeal Crease
Creases that divide the fingers from the palm.
Metal Etching
Technique utilizing acidic solutions or vapors in the development of friction ridge detail on select
metal surfaces.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Metal Salt
Secondary treatment of ninhydrin developed friction ridge detail for visualization (e.g., /zinc
Chloride, Zinc Nitrate, or Cadmuum Chloride); produces a fluorescent product when exposed to
selected wavelengths of light.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)
Solvent used as a carrier in reagents, dyes, stains, and rinses; also used as a cleaning agent.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Method
The specific procedures to complete a process or task.
Methodology
A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in
an inquiry; a set of working methods
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=methodology 02-27-03
A system of methods or procedures used in any field.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Methylene Chloride
Solvent used in the preparation of liquid iodine. See Dichloromethane.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Methylthioninhydrin
See 5-MTN.
Microburst Method
A specialized form of the Cyanoacrylate method for developing latent prints on nonporous items.
This method was developed by the FBI and is designed to expose a nonporous item to a large
amount of fumes for a small amount of time. It involves adding glue to a heat source of over 300
degrees. Once the chamber is filled with fumes, the nonporous item is placed in the chamber for
30-45 seconds.
Micro-X-ray Fluorescence
See MXRF.
Midlo, Dr. Charles
A professor of microscopic anatomy at Tulane University. Known for his research with Harold
Cummins on dermatoglyphics associated with Down’s Syndrome. He, along with Harold
Cummins, coined the term dermatoglyphics and wrote the book “Fingerprints, Palms and Soles”
in 1943.
Mikrosil ™
A silicone-casting agent developed by Kjell Carlsson of Sweden. This product is useful for lifting
latent prints from textured or curved surfaces. It also works well in recovering prints from the
deceased.
Minimum Number of Characteristics
In 1973, The IAI Standardization Committee released the results of a three-year study. They
recommended and adopted that “no valid basis exists at this time for requiring that a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge characteristics must be present in two impressions
in order to establish positive identification.” This was based on the fact that each print has a
unique set of circumstances.
http://www.latent-prints.com/iai_standardization_committee.htm 03-21-2003
In 1995, the Ne’urim Declaration was adopted. It stated, “No scientific basis exists for requiring
that a pre-determined minimum number of friction ridge features must be present in two
impressions in order to establish a positive identification.” This was a slight change from the
1973 IAI Resolution on the minimum number of characteristics needed to make an identification.
On June 11, 2001, after a 4 year study, the ACPO Fingerprint Evidence Project Board abolished
the use of the 16 point standard used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Aka Point Standards.
Minshall, Lewis Q.P.M. (19??-1980)
In the 1970’s, Detective Superintendent Lewis Minshall was in charge of the Essex Police
Fingerprint Bureau. He was a working fingerprint technician, not merely a department figurehead,
and was awarded The Queens Police Medal for his meritorious services to fingerprints. The
National Society of Fingerprint Officers (later re-named The Fingerprint Society) was initiated in
Hertfordshire by the so-called Four Founders in 1974. They were civilian technicians, and
expected fingerprint staff from all British police forces to join the society. During the seventies,
many British fingerprint employees were police officers, and there appeared to be “unofficial”
suggestions from certain sources that they should not join what was alleged to be a civilian
organization, perhaps campaigning for wage equality and conditions of service, with the potential
for strike action. The Hertfordshire ‘founders’ wished the society to solely concerned with
fingerprint matters and the circulation of new techniques in the journal, and the facility for
members all over the world to be able to communicate with fellow technicians to everyone’s
advantage. Mr. Minshall, being a senior police officer, joined the society, realizing the potential of
a worldwide exchange of information, and he successfully encouraged many police officers to join
the society. After his death it was revealed that he had allocated monies to be used annually for
the presentation of The Lewis Minshall Award for outstanding contributions to the discipline.
Minutiae
Small details.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Events along a ridge path, including bifurcations, ending ridges, and dots (also known as Galton
details).
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Missed Identification
The failure to make an identification when an identification could have been made.
The failure to make an individualization when in fact both friction ridge impressions are from the
same source.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Mitchell, Byron
See United States vs. Byron Mitchell.
Mitosis
Cell segmentation during which chromosomes are split longitudinally and duplicated.
http://skincancer.dermis.net/glossary/index_html?query_start=51
Moenssens, Andre A. J.D., LL.M. (Jan 13, 1930-July 28, 2024)
Andre Moenssens is a forensic consultant and retired law professor. He started his training and
study in fingerprints in 1950 in Belgium under the tutelage of the late Major Georges E. Defawe.
He joined the International Association for Identification (IAI) in 1953, emigrated to the U.S. in
1956 and became a lawyer in this country in 1966 after receiving the Juris Doctor (JD) degree
with Honors in 1966 at Illinois Institute of Technology-Chicago Kent College of Law. The following
year he earned the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at Northwestern University.
He was head instructor in fingerprint identification (1960-1967) at the Institute of Applied Science
in Chicago when T. Dickerson Cooke was its director, and associate editor of the Finger Print and
Identification Magazine (1960 to 1968). In 1967, he began his service as a law professor, has
been tenured since 1968 successively at: Chicago-Kent College of Law (1967-1973), the
University of Richmond, Virginia (1973-1995), and the University of Missouri at Kansas City
(UMKC) (1996-2002) where he held the Douglas Stripp Professorship in Law and was also a
member of the doctoral faculty. After retiring from UMKC and being elected an emeritus
professor, West Virginia University College of Law invited him to be a visiting professor in 2004,
2005, and again in 2006. He had served as visiting professor during 1993-1995 in
the William J. Maier Jr. Chair.
After retiring from UMKC at the end of 2002, he became a resident of Shriner Lake,
Indiana. In 2004, he was elected to membership in SWGFAST and served until 2012.
He has testified as an expert in several states for the prosecution and the defense and has been
consulted by lawyers, governmental agencies, and news media on forensic issues in the U.S. and
abroad. He is the author of Fingerprint Techniques (1971) and Fingerprints and the Law (1969),
and the senior co-author of Scientific Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases, of which the 5th
edition is due to be published in 2006. He has written dozens of other books, book chapters and
articles on topics in the forensic evidence and criminal justice fields. His Criminal Law casebook
is in its seventh edition and is used in law schools throughout the country. He is one of the two
Editors’-in-Chief of the Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science, to be published in 2007. He has
been the editor of the Illinois Law Enforcement Officers Law Bulletin since 1972-and retired from
that position in 2006. In addition to membership in the IAI, and a member of the editorial board of
its Journal of Forensic Identification, he has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic
Sciences since 1966, and served two terms as the Academy’s secretary-treasurer as well as in a
number of other leadership functions. In 2005 he was named a Distinguished Fellow of the AAFS.
He is also a member of the Canadian Identification Society, The Forensic Science Society (U.K.),
and a number of legal organizations. He is a member of the Indiana Division of the IAI and was
previously a member of the Chesapeake Bay Division of the IAI when he lived in Virginia.
Molded Print
See Plastic Print.
Molybdenum Disulfide
Chemical used in the preparation of Small Particle Reagent (SPR).
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Monozygotic
Derived from a single fertilized egg. Used to describe identical twins and distinguish them from
fraternal twins (dizygotic).
Morfopoulos, Dr. Vassilis C.
See People v. Kent.
Mottled Skin
Ridge detail is present, but is dissociated due to trauma or genetic causes. It lacks any
continuous pattern flow.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Mulvihill, John J. MD
Wrote “The Genesis of Dermatoglyphics” with David W. Smith MD for the Journal of Pediatrics,
Oct. 1969 issue. It is said to be one of the most thorough discussions of fingerprint formation.
Their findings were:
6-8 weeks after conception volar pads form
10-12 weeks volar pads begin to recede
13th week skin ridges begin to appear
21st week after conception fingerprint patters are complete
http://www.handanalysis.net/library/derm_history.htm 02-27-03
Muriatic Acid
A chemical used to process thermal paper to develop friction ridge detail. Also known as
Hydrochloric Acid.
Mutilation
See Perez, George, Dillinger, Pitts, and Roquerre.