Origins & Early Life

Harry Frederick Harlow (October 31, 1905 – December 6, 1981) was an American psychologist best known for his work on the effect of isolation in monkeys as funded by the Ecology Fund [HEF], the CIA, and Project MK-Ultra as a part of his studies on psychological torture techniques during the Cold War. His findings on maternal-separation, dependency needs, and social isolation experiments on rhesus monkeys manifested the importance of caregiving and companionship to social and cognitive development. He conducted most of his research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow worked with him for a short period of time. Harlow's experiments were ethically controversial; they included creating inanimate wire and wood surrogate "mothers" for the rhesus infants.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Some monkeys were left in isolation for up to 24 months, a part of his examination into psychological torture tactics. Each infant became attached to its particular mother, recognizing its unique face. Harlow then investigated whether the infants had a preference for bare-wire mothers or cloth-covered mothers in different situations: with the wire mother holding a bottle with food, and the cloth...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolph Menzel — Contemporary (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Agnes de Mille — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Pioneering American choreographer known for blending ballet with modern dance.
• Albert Pierrepoint — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Prominent English hangman who executed hundreds of people in a 25-year career.
• Abigail Spencer — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Albert Speer — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): German architect and Nazi official, known for monumental designs and wartime ministry.
• Adolf von Baeyer — Shared historical date (10-31 · Born) (1835): Pioneering German chemist known for indigo synthesis and IUPAC nomenclature.
• Alexander Alekhine — Shared historical date (10-31 · Born) (1892): A celebrated Russian-French chess master and four-time World Champion.
• Afonso I of Portugal — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1185): The first King of Portugal, founder of the independent Portuguese Kingdom.
• Agnes Moorehead — Shared historical date (12-06 · Born) (1900): Iconic American actress celebrated for stage, film, and television roles.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• October 31 (10-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 31
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981
• December 6 (12-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 6