A Chronicle of Infant Development and Characteristics

Extract

July 15th.—The following differences between James and Odo were noted in the first few months of the latter's existence:—James's eyes from the first were noticeably wide open, and seemed to look. They seemed much larger than Odo's. Now they are soft and languid. James was somewhat delicate during infancy, but grew out of it; stomach easily deranged. Softness of eyes in some measure due to very long lashes; but I find comparative brightness or languor of eyes a sure guide to his state of health. Odo's eyes have steadily grown in apparent size, because (the converse from James) the older he has grown the wider he has opened them. They are now wide, round, and bright (blue). James has very large pupils; Odo not. Odo apparently healthy, can partially raise himself up; has cut thirteenth tooth; has a placid temperament; does not cry much, i.e., will lie awake for long periods, which James never would do; sleeps all night for most part, which James seldom did. In short, thus early the one shows an excitable, the other a placid temper. Odo objects to being taken by a stranger, although he very soon gets over his misgivings. At this age James showed no distrust of strangers. Odo has a distinct manner to the three persons he knows best—nurse, mother, and father. He coos and smiles to mother when she comes to take him. He only smiles to father. Smiles more but talks less than James did at same age. By talking I mean saying “coo,” “ug-gug, and the expression called “crowing” Cries at once on being scolded. James did not understand a scold at same age. Odo always tries to seize father's moustache when taken by him. In the case of women it is the hair he goes for in preference to anything. Odo makes use of smiles at five months old, and used them unconsciously at four months, which James (see notes on him) did not do till his seventh month. On the other hand, Odo uses his hands only to grasp things, or at most to put them to his mouth. At the same age James always put them to his mouth and could play with them, that is, pull them about.