Who is credited as the first to name and define specific print minutiae, known as Galton details?

The first individual credited with naming and defining specific print minutiae, which are referred to as Galton details, is Sir Francis Galton. He was a pioneering figure in the study of fingerprints and their unique characteristics. Galton's work in the late 19th century laid the foundation for the systematic classification of fingerprints, and he introduced terminology that is still in use today among forensic scientists and fingerprint analysts.

His research emphasized the uniqueness of fingerprint patterns and their use in personal identification, significantly contributing to the field of forensic science. Galton’s publications provided detailed descriptions of various minutiae, which are the specific features of fingerprints used to analyze and compare prints. This legacy continues to influence current methodologies in latent print examination, highlighting his crucial role in the historical development of fingerprint analysis.