Fingerprint research is done in the United Kingdom by the Police Scientific Development Branch, which has charge of the physics-based projects and those requiring the development of specialized equipment, and by the Central Research Establishment, which is responsible for mainly chemical or biological projects. As a result of this research, techniques and methods have been developed which are already in operational use. These include metal deposition, involving the use of a vacuum plant similar to those used in industry for coating plastics, and the small particle reagent, which uses the submersion of molybdenum disulphide powder in water. Other methods are the 35 SPD physical developer, gentian violet, cyanoacrylate ester (super glue), and extension to ninhydrin reagent. Despite a substantial amount of research, a number of areas remain in which no entirely satisfactory method is available. Of these, the most intractable is human skin. Only one American case is so far on record where a latent print developed from a homicide victim's skin has been identified with an offender. Fabrics, blood marks, and metal surfaces are three other areas where difficulties persist. Photographs and 11 references are given.