Bertillon Alphonse Collection
Alphonse Bertillon: Pioneering the Study of Physical Traits Alphonse Bertillon, a renowned French criminologist
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Alphonse Bertillon: Pioneering the Study of Physical Traits Alphonse Bertillon, a renowned French criminologist, revolutionized the field of criminal identification with his innovative techniques. His "Tableau synoptic des traits physionomiques" provided a comprehensive study of physical features to aid in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities. One notable example is Henri Auvin, a 37-year-old chaudronnier born in St-Meme (Charente-Inferieure). Through meticulous notation of scars and schematic drawings, Bertillon created an accurate profile for Auvin's identification purposes around 1893. Another intriguing case involves Antoine Benoit, a 29-year-old journalier born in Paris Xle. Not only was he an anarchist but also engaged in vagabondage. Thanks to Bertillon's detailed records and notations, Benoit could be easily identified if involved in any unlawful activities. Eugene Bellemans (or Michel), aged 23 and hailing from Gand (Belgique), caught Bertillon's attention as well. The young man's distinctive characteristics were meticulously documented by the criminologist for future reference. Pierre Baur, a cordonnier and anarchist born in St Leonard (Haute-Vienne) at the age of 41, also found himself under Alphonse Bertillon's scrutiny. By carefully noting Baur's physical traits and political affiliations, potential risks associated with him could be mitigated more effectively. Frederic Jean-Baptiste Mazoldi from Bicroz (Autriche) became another subject within Bertillon's extensive collection. At 54 years old during his documentation process by Alphonse Bertillon around ca. 1893. , Mazoldi presented unique features that would assist authorities should he ever engage in illicit activities. Louis Alexandre Barbier had his information recorded too.