Biometrics is the science of verifying the identity of an individual through physiological measurements or behavioral traits. Since biometric identifiers are associated permanently with the user they are more reliable than token or knowledge based authentication methods.Palm print identification systems measure and compare ridges, lines and minutiae found on the palm. Joao de Barros, an early explorer and writer, wrote that the Chinese merchants distinguished young children from each other by recording palm prints and footprints on paper with ink. Palm prints can be used for criminal, forensic or commercial applications. "Biometrics is certainly the most secure form of authentication. It's the hardest to imitate and duplicate." -Avivah Litan "Be able to analyze statistics, which can be used to support or undercut almost any argument." -Marilyn vos Savant