Author Jim Ottaviani and illustrator Dylan Meconis present a new volume in publisher G.T. Labs series of scientist biographies using the graphic novel format. In Wire mothers : Harry Harlow and the science of lovewe're introduced to the University of Wisconsin professor whose work in the early 1960s attempted to introduce the concept of "love" or at least maternal love into the common parlance of the scientific community. At the time, "proximity" was the term in use.
Harlow himself provides the narrative flow of the story as he introduces himself and his work to a new janitor at the research facility at 600 N. Park Street (affectionately referred to as "Goon Park"). He experimented with infant rhesus monkeys to demonstrate the natural tendency of young to seek a "mother" for comfort and security, raising them with inanimate mothers made of wire or cloth. Analysts at the time were making the argument that "attachment" was based on nursing (i.e. food). Harlow's argument in the book states "It's not about food, and it's not about attachment. It's about clinging, and cuddling. It's about comfort. And love."
There's some pretty valid points to be made about the morality of animal experimentation, and the authors do touch upon that in the notes section. But earlier in the text, Harlow referrenced B. F. Skinner's attempt to raise his own daughter in a new device he called a "baby-tender," a box with filtered and humidified air, partially sound-proofed, with one side made of safety-glass through which "they could talk and gesture to her." The accompanying illustration shows a toddler behind glass. With tears running down her cheeks.
Proximity, indeed.
What with graphic novels themselves being something of an acquired taste, not to mention what I would imagine to be a rather limited audience for scientific biographies, and topping it all off with squeamishness-inducing aspects of animal experimentation, this particular work would be a pretty tough sell for most readers. Still, it was a fascinating look at a time and place not far removed from many members of the greatest generation.
4 comments:
I know, I should have edited the graphic to remove the Firefox frame. I'll do better next time.
Sounds like an interesting book. Have you read Love at Goon Park by Deborah Blum? It's also about Harry Harlow and his experiments but she sets up the whole framework of how psychology studies and the studies to do with parenting were constructed.
Hey, why aren't you reviewing for MADreads?
Wow Dennis, you sure have spent more time on your posts than I have. Hopefully you have learned more in the process and I'll have to pick your brain when I need help (like I don't already)
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