What was the first scientific method of criminal identification known to be devised?

The first scientific method of criminal identification known to be devised is Bertillonage, which was developed by Alphonse Bertillon in the late 19th century. This system involved a comprehensive set of measurements of various parts of the body, along with physical descriptions of the individual, to create a unique profile for identification purposes. Bertillonage was innovative for its time, as it introduced a systematic approach to identifying individuals based on physical characteristics rather than relying solely on anecdotal or observational methods.

The significance of Bertillonage is that it laid the groundwork for future identification methods, including fingerprinting and DNA analysis. While fingerprinting is now one of the most prevalent methods used for criminal identification, it was not the first scientific approach. Photography, although important for documenting crime scenes and individuals, does not constitute a method of identification in and of itself. DNA analysis, while extremely effective and widely accepted today, emerged much later as technology advanced. Thus, Bertillonage stands out as the earliest formal scientific method specifically crafted for criminal identification.