Who made significant contributions to fingerprint identification in South America?

Juan Vucetich is recognized for his significant contributions to fingerprint identification in South America, particularly due to his pioneering work in the early 20th century. He was one of the first to utilize fingerprinting as a reliable method for personal identification in Argentina. Vucetich developed a systematic approach to fingerprint classification and established the first fingerprint bureau in the region, which allowed for the systematic collection and comparison of fingerprints. His methods laid the groundwork for the use of fingerprints in criminal investigations and civil identification throughout South America, influencing law enforcement practices across the continent.

The contributions of Alphonse Bertillon, Sir William Herschel, and Nehemiah Grew, while important in the broader context of criminal identification and forensics, are not specifically tied to South America's development of fingerprint technology like Vucetich's work. Bertillon is known for his development of anthropometry, Herschel was instrumental in the early use of fingerprints but primarily in India, and Grew was involved in the study of plant anatomy and had early inquiries related to fingerprints but did not contribute specifically to their identification system in South America.