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Motion · S6M-15573 · 21 Nov 2024

Recognising the Legacy of Dr Henry Faulds, Originator of Fingerprint Identification, on the 150th Anniversary of his Medical Mission to Japan

Lodged by Kenneth Gibson (No Party Affiliation) Standard Motion 21 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament celebrates the 150th anniversary of Dr Henry Faulds, an Ayrshire man born in Beith in 1843, undertaking Scotland’s first medical mission to Japan; recognises his groundbreaking achievements, including being the first person to conceive and test the concept that fingerprints are a form of biometrics, that is, a unique means of identifying people, and that this discovery has revolutionised forensic science and criminal investigation worldwide; acknowledges his extraordinary contributions in Japan, where he not only founded a hospital and teaching facility, but also established a society for the blind, successfully halted a rabies epidemic, and eradicated a plague, and commends his enduring legacy as a trailblazer in medicine and science, while strengthening what it sees as Scotland’s historical and cultural ties with Japan.

Supporters (21)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.