Doctor Benjamin McLane Spock (May 2, 1903 - March 15, 1998) was an American pediatrician whose book Baby and Child Care is one of the biggest best-sellers of all time. Its revolutionary message to mothers was that "you know more than you think you do."

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Spock was the first pediatrician to study psychoanalysis to try to understand children's needs and family dynamics.

Spock received his undergraduate education from Yale University, where he became a member of Scroll and Key. While studying medicine at Yale University, Spock, was a rower. As member of the American eight crew, he won a gold medal at the 1924 Summer Olympics, rowing an all-Yale eight, along with James Stillman Rockefeller, with whom he shared a Scroll and Key membership in common. He transferred to Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, where he graduated first in his class in 1929.

Spock was politically outspoken and active in the movement to end the Vietnam War. He was the People's Party candidate in the 1972 United States presidential election.

It is common to see "Dr. Spock" confused with the fictional character "Mr. Spock" of Star Trek fame, particularly in references from people unfamiliar with the science fiction franchise. Reportedly, Trek creator Gene Roddenberry did not intentionally name the character after Dr. Spock; this was a coincidence.

External link

• About Dr. Benjamin Spock http://www.drspock.com/about/drbenjaminspock/0%2C1781%2C%2C00.html