Sacharias Jansen was a Dutch man credited for inventing the compound microscope or parts of the first microscope. Even though many of the facts about who invented the microscope are very debatable, it is for certain that Sacharias Jansen contributed, along wit his father in the making of the first microscope.
The early invention of the microscope in 1955 by Robert Hooke allowed the first cell to be seen. This discovery was a big step forwards in the world of cells. The English physicist and microscopist coined the term “cell” to describe what the basic unit of all life consists of. The “father of microscopy” published Micrographia, where he recorded his observations and was able to pass on his knowledge and findings to other scientists such as Anton van Leeuenhoek.
With the help of Hookes invention of the first primitive microscope, Leeuenhoek was able to build upon this knowledge and augment the magnification from 30x to 200x. This allowed him to be able to look at even smaller specimen. Through this process, Leeuenhoek was able to discover the protozoa, bacteria, sperm and blood cells, muscle striations, and blood capillaries. Therefore, Leeuenhoeks discoveries are definitely one of the reasons why the cell theory can make its conclusions.
Schleiden and Schwann are the two people who officially are known to have developed the Cell Theory in 1838 and 1839. Schwann uses Schleiden's cell-formation theory as a starting point to the full Cell Theory, and points out main dissimilarities between animal and plant cells. He states that the ordinary reasons for evolution exist because of the exceedingly differentiated basic units of the organisms. This belief of the cell as the general basis of life is at once commonly acknowledged.
Also important in the development of the cell theory was Jan Purkinje. Purkinje was the best cytologist at the time and gave his name to a couple of the structures of the body like the Purkinje cells. Purkinje should also deserve credit for the Cell Theory since he concluded that not only animals consisted of cells but also plants.
After the Cell Theory was discovered, more information reached the world through Rudolf Virchow. “Omnis Cellula e cellula” is what he said emphasizing that cell division is the importance in generating new cells. This idea is today known as mitosis.
In today’s world, we constantly use all this knowledge that has been discovered by these “ancient” scientists. The knowledge has allowed us to look in deeper on things and in 1997 it was even possible to clone a sheep. How limited would life be if it weren’t for all of these discoveries?
Works Cited
History of Biology: Cell Theory and Cell Structure. 21 Aug. 2007. 29 Aug. 2008 <http://www.biologyreference.com/Gr-Hi/History-of-Biology-Cell-Theory-and-Cell-Structure.html>.
“Important dates 1800-1849 .” History of Biology: Cuvier, Schwann and Schleiden. 30 Aug. 2008 <http://www.pasteur.fr/recherche/unites/REG/causeries/dates_1800.html>.
“Major Events in Cell Biology.” Studying Cells Tutorial . Aug. 2004. The Biology Project. 30 Aug. 2008 <http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/tutorials/cells/cells3.html>.
