The biography of a baby

"The Biography of a Baby" by Milicent Washburn Shinn is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work presents an in-depth exploration of infant development, focusing on the early stages of a baby's life, from birth through several months of growth. The likely topic of the book revolves around the observation and analysis of a child's cognitive, emotional, and physical milestones, providing insights into the evolution of human faculties during infancy. The opening of the book sets the stage for a comprehensive study of babyhood, emphasizing the scientific neglect of this crucial developmental phase until recently. Shinn reflects on the prevailing lack of attention towards the processes of maturation and consciousness in infants, advocating for a biographical method to study these early stages. She discusses how common movements and expressions in infancy might hold clues to understanding not only individual development but also the broader evolutionary history of the human mind. The initial chapters outline her observations on the newborn's physical characteristics, reflexes, sensory abilities, and the beginnings of emotional expression, laying a foundation for a detailed exploration into the complex unfolding of human development. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Milicent Washburn Shinn was a writer, editor, and child psychologist. She was the first woman to receive a doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. She entered the State University in September 1874 and finished her undergraduate degree in 1880. She was one of three student speakers at the commencement. She edited the Overland Monthly from 1882 to 1894. She received her Ph.D. in 1898 at the age of 40.