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Alphonse Bertillon, French police officer
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Alphonse Bertillon, French police officer
Alphonse Bertillon (1853-1914), French police officer and biometrics pioneer. Bertillon developed a general identification system in 1883 for use by the police. Known as anthropometry, there were ten standard measurements, such as height, width of head, and reach of the right arm. These were then used to identify criminals who gave false names. Anthropometry was eventually replaced by fingerprinting. Bertillon also worked in other areas of forensics, such as ballistics and document examination. Artwork from the 13th volume (first period of 1894) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree
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Media ID 6339141
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1890s 1894 Annual Volume Anthropometry Ballistics Biometric Biometrics Criminology Forensic Science Forensic Scientist Forensics French Identification Identity La Science Illustree Louis Figuier Magazine Popular Science Profile Weekly Alphonse Bertillon Mono Chrome Police Officer
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This print showcases Alphonse Bertillon, a remarkable figure in the history of law enforcement. As a French police officer and biometrics pioneer, Bertillon revolutionized criminal identification systems in the late 19th century. The artwork, featured in the renowned French science magazine La Science Illustree, beautifully captures his profile. Bertillon's groundbreaking contribution to forensic science was anthropometry - a method that relied on ten standardized measurements including height, head width, and arm reach. By using these precise physical characteristics, he aimed to expose criminals who attempted to deceive authorities by providing false identities. However, as time progressed, fingerprinting eventually replaced anthropometry as the primary means of identification. Beyond his work in biometrics, Bertillon also made significant strides in other areas of forensics such as ballistics and document examination. His expertise earned him recognition not only within France but internationally as well. This historical illustration transports us back to an era when scientific advancements were shaping modern policing techniques. It serves as a reminder of Alphonse Bertillon's invaluable contributions to criminology and his enduring legacy within the field of forensic science.
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