JEREMY BENTHAM'S LIST OF DATA NEEDED TO UNDERSTAND THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN (1797)

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), English philosopher, jurist, political theorist, and founder of the doctrine of utilitarianism, was also influential in the field of medical theory and practice.

Spector¹ has called attention to the following data set down by Bentham more than a century and a half before the emergence of modern interest in child development. This list shows Bentham's prescience in conceptualizing the data that would need to be collected before one could properly understand the temporal steps in a child's development.

1. Advances independent of instruction:

First indication of fear, smiling, recognizing persons

Indication of a preference for a particular person

Indication of a dislike for a particular person

Attention to musical sounds

Appearance of first tooth

Appearance of each of the successive teeth; duration and degree of pain and illness in cutting teeth

Giving toys or food to others

Attempt to imitate sound laughter

General progress in bodily or intellectual requirements whether uniform or by sudden degree

2. Advances dependent upon instruction:

Standing, supported by one arm

Standing, supporting itself by resting the hands

Token of obedience to will of others

Command of natural evacuation

Walking, supporting itself by chairs

Standing alone

Walking alone

Pointing out the seat of pain.