William Thierry Preyer

[3] Preyer was a founder of scientific child psychology, and a pioneer in regards to research of human development based on empirical observation and experimentation.

[7] This was a landmark book on developmental psychology written as a rigorous case study of his son Axel's development, including observational records.

[8] Both works laid a foundation in their respective disciplines for future study of modern human development.

[3][9] At Jena, Preyer introduced experimental-scientific training methods into his lectures, and also created seminars in the field of physiology.

Today, the "William Thierry Preyer Award" is issued by the European Society on Developmental Psychology for excellence in research of human development.