AbstractConsideration is given to some early attempts at postulating developmental theories. Several areas are discussed: genetic theories (recapitulation and utility) which tried to account for ontogenesis by relating to it phylogenesis, “stage” theories, and theoretical contributions of several individuals (William Preyer, James Sully, Charles Waddle, William Stern, and Kurt Koffka). It is noted that many ideas dating from this period continue to influence current developmental theory and research through their “rrediscovery” and/or their incorporation into contemporary t