Bertillon system

Bertillon System

The Bertillon System is a method of physical identification of individuals based on precise physical measurements and characteristics. It was developed by Alphonse Bertillon, a French police officer and biometrics researcher, in the late 19th century. The system was the first scientific approach to physical identification and was widely adopted in Europe and the United States before being largely replaced by fingerprinting.

History

The Bertillon System was introduced by Alphonse Bertillon in 1879. Bertillon, working in the Paris police force, was tasked with improving the identification of repeat offenders. He developed a system of measurement and recording that became known as "Bertillonage". The system was quickly adopted by police forces across Europe and the United States, and was considered the most effective method of identification until the advent of fingerprinting in the early 20th century.

Methodology

The Bertillon System involved the detailed measurement of physical characteristics, including the dimensions of the head, length and breadth of the nose, the length of the right ear, the length of the left foot, and the length of the middle finger. These measurements were recorded on a standard form and accompanied by a full-face and profile photograph. The system also included a detailed description of distinguishing features such as scars, tattoos, and other marks.

Legacy

While the Bertillon System was eventually superseded by fingerprinting, it laid the groundwork for modern forensic identification. It was the first system to use a scientific approach to identification, and its use of photography and detailed recording of physical characteristics are still used in modern forensic science. The system also influenced the development of anthropometry, the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

See also

• Forensic science
• Biometrics
• Anthropometry
• Fingerprinting

References

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