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THE BERTILLON SYSTEM
FOR IDENTIFICATION OF CRIMINALS

With instructions for taking measurements and descriptions by the means of anthropometric indications. These engravings are from photographs taken at the Joliet, Ill., State Prison by W. G. Thorpe.

Fig. 1. — Length of Head.
Measurement taken by means of the caliper-compasses. The operator places and maintains the end of the left branch in the cavity of the root of the nose; then with eves fixed on the graduation lie moves the right extremity up and down the middle of the back of the head until he finds the maximum point, and reads the indication.
Fig. 2. — Width of Head.
The greatest width of the head is taken with the same instrument as the length in much the same manner.
Fig. 3.
Measurement of the left middle finger by means of the sliding compasses. This indication is valuable for the reason that it can be taken exactly independent of the subject.
Fig. 4.
Measurement of the left foot by means of sliding compasses. Have the subject take the position indicated by the engraving, on a firm solid bench. This position will force the most stupid or wiley person to place himself in proper position so that the measurement will be accurate.
Fig. 5.
Measurement of the left forearm by means of the sliding compasses. The operator places the subject in the position represented above and presses the stationary branch closely against the point of the elbow, keeping the shank parallel to the axis of the arm.
Fig. 6.
Measurement of the right ear by means of the sliding compasses. Generally this measurement is taken after the length and width of the head, before using the large sliding compasses, at a moment when the subject is standing erect. Operators of small stature, however, prefer to take this measurement while the subject is still seated.
Fig. 7.
Measurement of height by means of the vertical and horizontal graduated measures. The subject should be barefooted, standing in the position shown above.
Fig. 8.
Measurement of the outstreched arms by means of the vertical and horizontal graduated measures. The measurement of the outstretched arms is the maximum length reached as shown in this figure.
Fig. 9.
Measurement of the trunk by means of the vertical and horizontal graduated measures. Seat the subject well back on the bench and closely against the wall, and see that lie holds his body erect against the wall.
Fig. 10.
Examining the eye.
Fig. 11.
Table and sliding compasses fr measuring the left forearm.
Fig. 12.
Position for measuring the head.