The biography of a baby

"The Biography of a Baby" by Milicent Washburn Shinn is a late 19th century scientific study of an infant's early growth. This book is a deep examination into the developmental milestones of babyhood. It focuses on cognitive, emotional, and physical changes in a child, from birth and through the first few months. It starts by noting a lack of scientific attention on baby development at the time. Shinn argues for a close study of babies' maturation, emphasizing the importance of small movements and expressions for understanding how the mind grows. The first parts carefully look at a newborn's body, responses, senses, and first signs of feelings, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of how humans grow.