Bertillon System
a system of identification of criminals, introduced into France by Alphonse Bertillon. The system depends upon accurate measurements of various portions of the human body, especially the bones, which in adults never change. The parts measured are the head, ear, foot, , middle finger, the extended forearm, height, breadth, and the trunk. These measurements are placed upon a card, and, together with photographs of the bodily features, take the place of the old portraits in the rogues' gallery. The system has been highly developed, and is now an important feature of the police department of every large city in the world.
BERTRAND (ber-trän'), HENRI GRATIEN, COUNT, a French military BERWICK officer, born in Châteauroux in 1773, and early entered the armies of the Revolution as engineer. He accompanied the expedition to Egypt, and directed the fortification of Alexandria. He distinguished himself at Austerlitz, and became Napoleon's adjutant; and, after the battle of Aspern, in 1809, for his share in saving the French army by bridges, he was created count and governor of Illyria.
He retired with the Emperor to Elba, was his confidant in carrying out his return to France, and finally shared his banishment to St. Helena. On Napoleon's death, Bertrand returned to France, where he was restored to all his dignities, and, in 1830, appointed Commandant of the Polytechnic School. He died in Châteauroux, Jan. 31, 1844.