The scientific study and systematic classification of fingerprints as a method of personal identification, especially in forensic work.
From Greek daktylos (finger) + graphia (writing/recording). Developed as a formal science in the 1880s-90s when police forces worldwide adopted fingerprinting over other identification methods.
Dactylography literally revolutionized crime fighting—the moment police started using fingerprints instead of mugshots, repeat offenders couldn't lie about their identities anymore and crime-solving rates skyrocketed.
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