BERTILLON Meaning and
Definition
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Bertillon refers to the anthropometric identification system developed by French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon in the late 19th century. It was a revolutionary method used to systematically measure and record physical characteristics of individuals, primarily for the purpose of criminal identification.
The Bertillon system was based on the principle that each person's measurements are unique and remain constant throughout their life. It involved taking detailed measurements of various body parts and features, such as the head, height, hands, feet, and specific body marks, scars, or tattoos. These measurements were meticulously recorded and cataloged in what became known as the Bertillon card, which contained a person's physical description and corresponding measurements.
This system aimed to provide a scientific approach to criminal identification, allowing law enforcement officers to compare a suspect's physical measurements to those in their database, thus aiding in the identification process. Bertillon's method gained significant popularity and was widely adopted across Europe and the United States for several decades.
However, the Bertillon system eventually faced challenges and criticisms. As advancements in fingerprinting and other identification techniques arose, the importance of anthropometry diminished. While the Bertillon system played a crucial role in the early development of forensic science and criminal identification, it was eventually replaced by more accurate and reliable methods such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and facial recognition technology.
Common Misspellings for BERTILLON
Etymology of BERTILLON
The word "Bertillon" is derived from the surname of Alphonse Bertillon, a French police officer and biometrics researcher. Alphonse Bertillon developed a system of anthropometry, which involved taking detailed measurements of various body parts in order to create a unique physical identification for criminals. This system was widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the advent of fingerprinting. As a result, the name "Bertillon" became associated with this method of identification and eventually became synonymous with anthropometric measurements.
Similar spelling words for BERTILLON
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