William T. Preyer

author

William T. Preyer

1841–1897

Best known for pioneering careful studies of early childhood, this English-born scientist built a bridge between physiology, psychology, and the close observation of how children learn and grow. His work helped lay foundations for developmental psychology and made him a lasting reference point in the study of the human mind.

1 Audiobook

The Mind of the Child, Part II The Development of the Intellect, International Education Series Edited By William T. Harris, Volume IX.

The Mind of the Child, Part II The Development of the Intellect, International Education Series Edited By William T. Harris, Volume IX.

by William T. Preyer

About the author

Born in Manchester on July 4, 1841, and later active in Germany, William Thierry Preyer was a biochemist, physiologist, and psychologist whose career moved across several fields of science. He studied in Heidelberg and went on to teach physiology, becoming especially associated with the University of Jena.

Preyer is remembered most for his systematic observations of infant development. Rather than relying on loose impressions, he carefully recorded changes in perception, movement, and language in young children, helping to establish a more scientific approach to child study. Because of that work, he is often seen as one of the early founders of developmental psychology.

He also wrote on physiology and related scientific subjects, reflecting the broad range of his interests. Preyer died on July 15, 1897, but his books continued to matter long afterward, especially for readers interested in how the study of mind and behavior grew out of nineteenth-century science.