Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch microscopist, was born on October 24, 2023 and died on August 26, 1723. is regarded as the Father of Microbiology as he was credited for some of the most important discoveries in the history of biology. It was he who discovered bacteria, free-living and parasitic microscopic protists, spèrm cells, blood cells, microscopic nematodes and rotifers, and much more. His researches, which were widely circulated, opened up an entire world of microscopic life to the awareness of scientists.
Leeuwenhoek made microscopes consisting of a single high-quality lens of very short focal length; at the time, such simple microscopes were preferable to the compound microscope, which increased the problem of chromatic aberration. Although Leeuwenhoek’s studies lacked the organization of formal scientific research, his powers of careful observation enabled him to make discoveries of fundamental importance.
Find out more about Antoni van Leeuwenhoek at the following sites:
Britannica
University of California Museum of Paleontology
Just In! The doodle represents the "little animals" Leeuwenhoek discovered that later became known as bacteria
Monday marks the 384th birthday of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, credited with being the first microbiologist. Catch more at TIME.