Cell Theory - Timeline

Rudolf Virchow (1855) German biologist Rudolf Virchow stated the third tenet of the cell theory, "omnis cellula e cellula" which translates to "every cell stems from another cell". He also discovered that, during times of illnesses, it is not the whole organism who is sick, but rather only a certain group of cells.

Hans and Zacharias Jansen (1590) Dutch spectacle-makers Hans and Zacharias Jansen created the first compound microscope.

Robert Hooke (1665) English physicist Robert Hooke coined the term "cell" after observing cork under a microscope, published in his book Micrographia (1665).

Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1674) Dutch microbiologist Anton van Leeuwenhoek discovered single-celled organisms by examining water from a lake.

Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1983) Dutch microbiologist Anton van Leeuwenhoek recorded one of the first observations on bacteria, after observing plaque from his and two women's teeth under the microscope.

Matthias Jacob Schleiden (1838) German botanist Matthias Jacob Schleiden deduced that cells (or derivatives of cells) are the root of the different plant parts. These findings were published in his book "Contributions to Phytogenesis" (1838).

Theodor Schwann (1839) German physiologist Theodor Schwann deduced that animal parts also came from cells or derivatives of cells, extending Schleiden's theory to animals. These findings were published in his book titled "Microscopical Researches into the Accordance in the Structure and Growth of Animals and Plants" (1839).