Which individual classified fingerprint patterns into nine categories?

The classification of fingerprint patterns into nine categories is attributed to J.C.A. Mayer, who was one of the early pioneers in the study of fingerprints. His work laid important groundwork in the field of fingerprint classification and identification. Mayer's classification system was significant because it attempted to systematically categorize fingerprints, which is crucial for forensic science and criminal investigations.

Although other figures in the history of fingerprint analysis, such as Dr. Johannes Purkinje and Henry Faulds, made noteworthy contributions—like identifying different fingerprint patterns and recognizing their uniqueness—Mayer is specifically known for his comprehensive categorization into nine distinct types. His contributions helped to formalize the use of fingerprints as a means of identification in legal contexts, which has had a lasting impact on the field of forensic science.