Bertillonage

Bertillonage is an early method of identifying criminals based on detailed measurements of their physical features. Developed in the late 19th century by Alphonse Bertillon, it involved recording specific body measurements, such as head size, arm length, and stature, as well as distinctive physical traits like scars and tattoos. This system aimed to create a unique, statistical profile for each individual, helping law enforcement distinguish between suspects and prevent false identifications. Although it was eventually replaced by fingerprinting, Bertillonage was an important step in developing systematic criminal identification techniques.