Significant events in the history of fingerprinting are traced from 1686, when the microscope was first used to examine finger patterns, to 1974, which marked the golden anniversary of the FBI's Identification Division. Following a discussion and an example of the importance of fingerprint identification, the various aspects of the Identification Division are described, including facilities, the main files, civil records, the Latent Fingerprint Section, and the Automation and Research Section. The description of the main files includes discussion of the types of records, the classification system, and arrest records. The procedure for identifying prints is described, and some notable fingerprint identification uses are cited. Civil records provide for the identification of unknown dead, amnesia victims, missing persons, and other similar civil identification situations. The Latent Fingerprint Section deals primarily with the identification of latent impressions developed at crime scenes, and the Automation and Research Section is responsible for all matters relating to research and development of ways and means of automating the work functions of the Division. Eight basic fingerprint patterns are illustrated, and a chart shows the number and types of fingerprints in FBI possession.