INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTHROPOLOGY VO1. 1, n. 1: 89, 1986

S. Uchino M. Yamakawa S. Ichikawa M. Okubo Y. Nakamura A. Iimura

Dept. o] Anatomy Tokyo Medical College 6-1-1 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160 Japan

Application of ultraviolet photography in dermatoglyphics and others

Observations of the outer layers and sections of an object are made by visible rays, but electromagnetic waves make it possible to observe things on the surface of an object that are not observable by visible rays. It may be because of some specific waves whose reflection toward or absorption by visible rays is different. Thus, we have observed the surfaces of objects by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays and taking photographs. The following are the characterstics of ultraviolet photographs which we have confirmed. 1) Since every uneveness of the surface of an object is magnified in ultraviolet photographs, projections and depressions can be more clearly observed. 2) tt is possible to more accurately detect the extent of the existence of an object, depending on the substance, as their pictures are exag- gerated.

Observations of the outer layers and sections of an object are made by visible rays, but electromagnetic waves other than visible rays make it possible to observe things on the surface of an object that are not observable by visible rays. It may be because some specific waves whose reflection toward or absorption by visible rays is different.

Thus, we have observed the surfaces of objects by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays and taking photographs thereof. The following are the characteristics of ultraviolet photographs which we have confirmed.

1) Since every uneveness of the surface of an object is magnified in ultraviolet photographs, projections and depressions can be more clearly observed.

2) It is possible to more accurately detect the extent of the existence of an object, depending on the substance, as their pictures are exaggerated.

Ever since it became possible to take distal ultraviolet photographs (253.7 nm), following the development of a new lens, we have been comparing distal ultraviolet photographs with conventional ultraviolet photographs (365.0 nm). The findings we have obtained are as follows:

1) Formalin and alcohol permeated both proximal and distal ultraviolet rays. 2) Contrast media for vasography were absorbed by both ultraviolet rays. 3) Burns and iron rusts produced experimentally by hydrochloric acids were well

absorbed by proximal ultraviolet rays, but were rather stronger in their reflection against distal ultraviolet rays.

4) Injections of adrenal cortical hormones and rabbits' hair reflected against proximal ultraviolet rays, but were absorbed by distal ultraviolet rays.

5) Mineral oils and fats showed reverse results with these ultraviolet rays. Animal oils and fats showed similar results, but reflected more strongly against distal ultraviolet rays.

6) Sectional views of various org~ins were clearer when proximal ultraviolet rays were irradiated.

7) Since sublayers cannot be observed by distal ultraviolet rays because of interference by epithelial layers or mucus, this characteristic is utilized for confirming the existence of substances on an outer layer.