1. Robert Hooke:
- Developed the compound microscope and used it to study various objects.
- Coined the term "cell" after observing a thin slice of cork under the microscope.
- Published his observations in the book "Micrographia" in 1665.
2. Hans & Zacharias Jansen:
- Invented the first compound microscope around 1590.
- Improved the design of the microscope by adding a focusing mechanism and a convex objective lens.
3. Anton van Leeuwenhoek:
- Made significant improvements to the design of the microscope, allowing for higher magnification.
- Discovered and described single-celled organisms, including bacteria, sperm cells, and microscopic organisms in pond water.
- Published his observations in letters to the Royal Society of London in the late 17th century.
4. Matthias Schleiden:
- Proposed the Cell Theory in 1838 along with Theodor Schwann.
- Stated that all plants are composed of cells and that cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms.
- Published his findings in the paper "Contributions to Phytogenesis" in 1838.
5. Theodor Schwann:
- Proposed the Cell Theory in 1838 along with Matthias Schleiden.
- Stated that all animals are composed of cells and that cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms.
- Published his findings in the paper "Microscopical Researches into the Accordance in the Structure and Growth of Animals and Plants" in 1839.
6. Rudolph Virchow:
- Proposed the concept of "omnis cellula e cellula" in 1855, meaning that all cells arise from preexisting cells.
- Emphasized the importance of cell division in growth, development, and repair.
- Known as one of the founders of modern cellular pathology.