Cell Theory Historical Timeline

  • First Microscope Invented by Zacharias Janssen

    After experimenting with eyeglass lenses in the Netherlands, it was discovered that multiple lenses could greatly magnify the picture, leading to the first microscope.
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  • Robert Hooke Observes the First Cell

    Using a primitive microscope, Robert Hooke finds a cell in a piece of cork.
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  • Antoine van Leeuwenhoek Discovers the First Protozoa

    Antoine van Leeuwenhoek discovers more life forms on a microscopic scale, including the first protozoa.
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  • Francesco Redi Observes Many Microscopic Life Forms

    While conducting research Fransesco Redi finds many microscopic lifeforms and studies them, later publishing a book on them in 1684.
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  • Robert Brown Makes a Discovery

    Robert Browning discovers the nucleus of a cell in a plant cell, an important discovery for cell theory.
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  • Matthias Schleiden Proposes That Cells are the Basis of All Life

    In 1838 Matthias Schielden proposes based on previous research that cells make up all living things, and are the basis for all life.
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  • Theodore Schwann Proposes Cell Theory

    Based upon his research Theodore Schwann proposes what we now refer to as cell theory (cells are made of organelles, smallest form of life)
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  • Louis Pasteur Makes His Contributions to Germ Theory

    Louis Pasteur makes several discoveries about germ theory and the way cells function.
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  • Ruolf Virchow Proposes how Cells Form

    He proposed that cells come from the division of other cells.
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