As he stepped through the gates of the Royal Academy of Medicine, Lestrade straightened his bow tie and took another deep breath to steady himself.
Although Li Wei had suggested that he seek out an anthropologist, the rigor required of forensic examination meant that Li Wei would never recommend an anthropologist who had yet to make a name for himself.
The sort of person found in novels, someone who had made an epoch-making invention yet remained unknown, waiting for the protagonist to discover him and let him shine, simply would not work in the judicial field. Forensic examination was a serious, exacting business. Reputation and standing were part of what vouched for a technique's reliability, and made it easier to accept.
Otherwise, even if some nobody developed a new technique, the police would not readily agree to adopt it as an official investigative method without a lengthy series of tests.
For instance, Galton, whom Lestrade had been cursing earlier, was a renowned anthropologist, astronomer, explorer, and writer. He had even attended meetings of the Royal Society for Human Studies. This eminent figure had subsequently written a book titled "Fingerprintology," reaching three important conclusions: a person's fingerprints remained unchanged throughout their life, fingerprints could be identified, and fingerprints could be classified.
When someone of that stature approached the police and said that "Fingerprintology" could solve crimes, they had to hold their noses and give it a try.
Conversely, if some nobody showed up at their door, the police would kick him out without another word.
Professor Henry, the anthropologist Lestrade had come to visit today, was also a highly respected scholar. Riding a wave of popularity and chasing trends were not exclusive to the entertainment world; academic circles were much the same. Ever since Galton had proved that "Fingerprintology" could indeed