Glass Box Baby
Sara Franklin's 15 minutes of fame came from being the first baby raised in a glass box. Or in an Air crib, as the device, invented by psychologist B.F. Skinner, was called. More info from wikipedia:
The air crib is an easily cleaned, temperature- and humidity-controlled enclosure intended to replace the standard infant crib. Skinner invented the device to help his wife cope with the day-to-day tasks of child rearing. It was designed to make early childcare simpler (by reducing laundry, diaper rash, cradle cap, etc.), while allowing the baby to be more mobile and comfortable, and less prone to cry. Reportedly it had some success in these goals.
The air crib was a controversial invention. It was popularly mischaracterized as a cruel pen, and it was often compared to Skinner's operant conditioning chamber, commonly called the "Skinner Box". This association with laboratory animal experimentation discouraged its commercial success, though several companies attempted production.
The air crib was a controversial invention. It was popularly mischaracterized as a cruel pen, and it was often compared to Skinner's operant conditioning chamber, commonly called the "Skinner Box". This association with laboratory animal experimentation discouraged its commercial success, though several companies attempted production.
Sydney Morning Herald - July 5, 1964
Indianapolis Star - Jan 12, 1966
Comments
Skinner was a self-obsessed, misanthropic pseudo-scientist who was responsible for incalculable amounts of ,mental and physical harm both to his own victims, and to the victims of his followers. In the future, people will remember him alongside Hitler and Stalin as one of history's greatest monsters.
Posted by sananab on 10/23/19 at 08:55 AM
I think that you could include Benjamin Spock among that bunch.
Spock, Spock, The baby doc.
Leads a peace march down the block.
Around him, everywhere you look,
Are kids he messed up with his book.
Spock, Spock, The baby doc.
Leads a peace march down the block.
Around him, everywhere you look,
Are kids he messed up with his book.
Posted by KDP on 10/23/19 at 09:52 AM
To KDP: Amen to that! This is why we have so many snowflakes now.
Posted by Judy on 10/23/19 at 01:42 PM
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Category: Babies | 1960s