Dermatoglyphics, and its role in

recognizing multiple intelligence.

Isnani A. S. Suryono,
Dept. Histologi, FKUI
Jakarta
 What is dermatoglyphics?
• Greek: derma = skin, glyph = carving.
• Is the scientific study of epidermal / skin ridges.
• All primates have ridged skin.
• Human: fingers, palms, toes & soles.
• Applications of dermatoglyphics:
– Mostly in anthropology & genetic studies.
– Enable to have accurate insight how brain works.
– Applied the science to education, psychology & personal
development.
 History of Dermatoglyphics
• Skin on fingertips, palmar & plantar surfaces of man is
grooved by curious ridges, which form a variety of
configurations.
• These ridge configurations have attracted attention of laymen
for millennia.
• Have also evoked serious interest of scientists for centuries.
• In 17th century, Anatomist: Bidloo provided description of
ridge detail.
• Since then additional information has been added by
anthropologists, biologists & geneticists.
• For the last 2 centuries, the fact that each individual’s ridge
configurations are unique has been utilized as a means of
personal identification especially by law enforcement officials.
• In the last decades of the 20th century a widespread of
medical interest in epidermal ridges developed, when it
became apparent that many patients with chromosomal
aberrations had unusual ridge formations.
• Due to the inherent variability of skin ridge configurations,
conclusions of ridge abnormalities can only be drawn in
groups of patients, but not always in a given individual.
• 1943, Cummin & Midlo published a monograph on epidermal ridges, it
provided interesting info on the historical development of the scientific
study, & invaluable advice on how to record & analyze epidermal ridge
configurations.
• Back in 1926, Cummin & Midlo also coined the name dermatoglyphics
(derma = skin; glyphics = carvings) for the scientific study of the ridges as
well as the ridges themselves. This label has now gained universal
acceptance.
• Genetic & anthropologic aspects of dermatoglyphics are dealt with in
more recent publications i.e. Cummins & Midlo, 1961; Martin & Saller,
1962; Holt, 1968; Loeffler, 1969.
• 1976, Schaumann & Alter aims to provide an illustrated guide to ridge
analysis & also bring together widely scattered recent & older info on
dermatoglyphic studies in medical disorders.
 purkinje’s 9 types of finger
pattern (1823)
Archs: the Whorls: the
1. Plain arch 5. Almond
2. Tented arch, 6. Spiral
Loops: the 7. Ellipse
3. Oblique stripe (Loop, 8. Circle
ulnar / radial) 9. Double whorl
4. Oblique loop (loop,
ulnar / radial)
 purkinje’s 9 types of finger
pattern (1823)
1. Plain arch 2. Tented arch
 purkinje’s 9 types of finger
pattern (1823)
3. Oblique stripe 4. Oblique loop
 purkinje’s 9 types of finger
pattern (1823)
5. Almond whorl 6. Spiral whorl
 purkinje’s 9 types of finger
pattern (1823)
7. Ellipse 8. Circle
 purkinje’s 9 types of finger
pattern (1823)
9. Double whorl • Demikian contoh 9 pola
sidik jari, yang komposisinya
pada seseorang
menunjukkan gambaran
kepribadian/ keminatan
khusus akan bidang ilmu
khusus.
• Namun mengenai hal ini
perjalanan penelitian masih
akan panjang sebelum
dunia bisa
memanfaatkannya dengan
baik dan bertanggung
jawab.
Dermatoglyphic development
Prenatal testosterone, stimulation of
• Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

• NGF
• = polypeptide hormone
Embryogenesis & genetics
Histology of skin ridges
 NGF & EGF
NGF
• In vitro application to
appropriately typed & aged
neurons, showed: increase of
mitotic division, induce
differentiation & increase of cell
survival rate.
• = chemical gradient, directing
neurit growth.
• Present in developing fetus,
beginning 4 months
• Secretion stimulated by
testosterone, affect
dermatoglyphics formation.
• Bonnevie hypothesized the
relationship between ridge
formation & underlying nerve
network. (1932)
• Dell & Munger very convincing
argument  afferent nerve fibers
serve as grid to guide dermal
ridge arrangement.
 NGF & EGF
EGF
• Hypothetically related to dermatoglyphic
development.
• Primary effect in differentiation of ectodermally-
derived tissues, including skin & brain.
• Related to neural development (Morrison, Leslie &
Bradshaw 1987 & Nieto-Sampedro 1988)
• With testosterone & NGF, are present in both sexes
(Zaaijer & Price, 1971), during critical period of
dermatogl development.
Dermatoglyphics in education
• Science of comparing, analyzing, and
qualifying the patterns of skin ridges &
fingerprints.
• Give a comprehensive insight into a person’s
inborn intelligence, potential, learning style,
tendencies etc.
• Is permanent.
 Fingerprint analysis
• Renown dermatoglyphics & medical scientists
have revealed that epidermal ridges have
direct and scientific relationship with genetic
codes of brain cells & inherent intelligence
potential.
• Science of dermatoglyphics have revealed
patterns of how brain works.
 Benefits of fingerprint report
• Knowing hidden potentials
• How one learn & the fastest way one learn
• Understanding conscious & subconscious thought
• Recognizing strength & weaknesses
• Help choose right course of study
• Career guidance for college graduates
• Character profiling
• Stress management
• Compatibility & communication suggestions for couples…!
 Benefits of fingerprint report

• = genetic blueprint.
• Defines character,
• Inborn potential,
• Differences in one’s multiple intelligence
• Learning style
• Other psychological aspects.
 Benefits of fingerprint report
It helps to reveal our:
• Strengths & weaknesses
• Dominant intelligence
• Thinking approach
• Learning style
• 9 mental powers
• Horizontal, vertical & abstract thinking
Thus reveal one’s true self, allowing better
management of time & resources, giving clearer
direction in life..
 gardner’s multiple intelligence

1. Linguistic/verbal Other intelligences:

2. Logical mathematical • Spiritual
3. Musical • Existential
4. Bodily-kinesthetic • Moral
5. Spatial / visual • Emotional
6. Interpersonal • Adversity
7. Intrapersonal
8. Naturalistic
 9 Mental powers
1. Creation
2. Intuition
3. Volition
4. Concept
5. Reasoning
6. Judgment
7. Communication
8. Association
9. Memory
 Hubungan antara peta sidik jari
dengan kemampuan inteligensi
• Masih banyak yang perlu
dipelajari,
• Terutama dari aspek
embriologi oleh karena
pembentukan
dermatoglifi terjadi pada
masa yang sama dengan
perkembang susunan
saraf pusat.
 References.
• Jamison CS. Testosterone, Nerve Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth
Factor. In: Trends in dermatoglyphic research.
• Schaumann B, Alter M. Embryogenesis and genetics of epidermal ridges,
In: Dermatoglyphics in medical disorders. New York; Springer-verlag: 1976,
p.1-11
• Schaumann B, Alter M. In: Dermatoglyphics in medical disorders. New
York; Springer-verlag: 1976, p.27-51
• Fingerprints & palmar dermatoglyphics.
• Ibrahim RA. Setiap anak unik & istimewa. Educare/No. 10/III/Januari 2007.
h.7-9
• Simanjuntak E. Melihat kecerdasan anak lewat sidik jari. Harian Global, 10
Oktober 2006. h.19