Robert Hooke, a prominent figure in 17th-century science, observed compartments in cork through an early microscope and, in his 1665 publication Micrographia, referred to these structures as “cells.” This observation marked a pivotal moment in the history of biology, laying the groundwork for the development of cell theory, a fundamental principle in understanding life.
Hooke’s contribution provided the basic terminology for describing the fundamental units of living organisms. His work spurred further microscopic investigations, leading to a deeper understanding of the microscopic world and the eventual recognition that all living things are composed of cells. This foundational concept revolutionized biological studies, enabling scientists to explore the complexities of life at its most fundamental level.
