Handwriting Theory Introduction

Introduction

Handwriting, as most people are aware, can be as identifying as a fingerprint.  For that reason analogies are frequently made between Fingerprint Identifications and Handwriting Identifications. However, while conceptually similar, differences between the two in examination methodology and background are extensive.

A fingerprint can do nothing on its own to change its physical appearance from examination to examination, circumstance to circumstance. It is something that we are born with, and barring injury, will not change during a person's lifetime. It is innate and static. There is little that one can do to change his fingerprints. Handwriting on the other hand, is not an inherent trait or a process that one is born with.  It is a mechanical skill that has to be acquired through a laborious learning process. This learning process may be in a formal situation such as a school, or taught within a family setting. Because it is a learning process rather than innate, it is dynamic and lends itself to change as a normal process. Throughout the years it may be superficially altered, or changed by injury, health or even a voluntary learning process on the part of the individual.

                                                The Learning Process and Class Characteristics

                                                Handwriting Systems

                                                Class Characteristics

                                                           Individual Characteristics

                                               Individual Variation in Handwriting

                                                External Variation in Handwriting

                                                Identification vs. Elimination

                                                           Art or Science