It is based on the principle that after the age of 21 years, the dimensions of the skeleton remain unchanged and also that the ratio in size of different parts to one another varies considerably in different individuals.

This is applicable to adults only. This system includes

(1)Descriptive data : such as, colour of hair, eyes, complexion, shape

of nose, ears, chin, etc,

(2) Body marks: such as moles, scars, tattoo marks.

Body measurements : such as, height, antero posterior diameter of head and trunk, the span of out stretched arms. the length of left middle finger, left little finger, left forearm, left foot, length and breadth of right ear and colour of left iris.

The photographs of a front view of the head and a profile view of the right side of head are also taken. As a sole means of identification ,photographs are not always reliable, and they may be a source of error even when they are inspected by experts. This system is not in use.