Matthias Schleiden ($${}1804$$–$${}1881$$) was a German botanist who made extensive microscopic observations of plant tissues. In $${}1838$$, he described these tissues as being composed of cells. Visualizing plant cells was relatively easy because they are clearly separated by their thick cell walls. Despite his accurate observations of cellular structure, Schleiden incorrectly believed that cells formed through crystallization, rather than cell division.

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Robert Hooke ($${}1635$$–$${}1703$$) was an English scientist who made critical early contributions to microscopy. He used a microscope of his own design to make numerous observations, which he published in his famous book, Micrographia, in $${}1665$$. While viewing a thin sample of cork tissue, Hooke became the first to observe distinct, honeycomb-like structures. He described them as 'small Boxes or Bladders of Air' and coined the term 'cell' (from the Latin for 'small room') to name them. At the time, Hooke was not aware that the cork cells were long dead and, therefore, lacked the internal structures found within living cells.

Robert Hooke

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Micrographia is a book published by the Royal Society in $${}1665$$ that detailed Robert Hooke's observations using microscopes. The publication became a bestseller and significantly increased interest in microscopy throughout much of Europe.

Micrographia

Matthias Schleiden

Theodor Schwann ($${}1810$$–$${}1882$$) was a noted German physiologist who made microscopic observations of animal tissue. In $${}1839$$, after a conversation with Matthias Schleiden, Schwann realized that similarities existed between plant and animal tissues. This realization laid the foundation for the idea that cells are the fundamental components of both plants and animals.

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