Scientific Discovery

Many of the scientific discoveries that have shaped our modern world were found with the aid of the microscope. The microscope has offered insight into a range of scientific study such as, medicine, forensic science, genetics, and atomic to name a few. Below are examples of discoveries that would have been impossible without the microscope:

Cell Theory (1839)

The term “cell” first appeared in Robert Hooke’s Micrographia (1665) in which he displayed 60 sketches of his observations under a compound microscope. However, it wasn't until the contributions of Theodor Schwann, and Matthias Jakob Schleiden that the cell was fully understood to the extent is it today. They outlined that all living organisms are made up of one or more cells. Schleiden examined plants, and suggested that a plant structure comprised of cells. Schwann further developed this theory by applying it to animals. This discovery resulted in major advancements in the study of biology, as little was known about the biological structure of animals.

Theodor Schwann. Source: Current Medical Issue

Matthias Jakob Schleiden. Source: NNDB

Germ Theory (1861)

Germ theory changed the practice of medicine radically, as it brought forth new understanding of diseases. Germ Theory states that many diseases are caused by the presences of microorganisms in the body. Pioneered by the work of Louis Pasteur, a French microbiologist, Germ Theory garnered support throughout Europe during the end of the nineteenth century, and is still used today. Using his microscope, Pasteur identified that microorganisms caused fermentation, and disease. This discovery resulted in the creation of the process called “pasteurization,” which assisted the wine, and beer industry. The process he developed prevented wine, and beer from souring, and would eventually help prevent the spoilage of milk. Germ Theory also assisted Pasteur in creating vaccines for diseases such as rabies, anthrax, smallpox, and puerperal fever.

Genes and Inheritance (1866)

Our understanding of genes, and the process of inheritance was pioneered by Gregor Mendel, a Czech scientist. He developed his groundbreaking theory by examining pea plants. He tracked the inheritance patterns when he bred pea plants, and discovered that they followed basic statistical rules. He discovered that some traits were dominant, while others were recessive. He published his findings, but they remained unnoticed for decades. It wasn’t until 1900 when three scientists discovered his paper. Erich Tschermak, Hugo de Vries, and Carl Correns verified his findings, and so the study of genetics began.

Louis Pasteur. Source: The Vaccine Reaction

Gregor Mendel. Source: Encyclopedia Britannica.

Alexander Fleming. Source: TBAT

Penicillin (1928)

In 1928, Scottish physician and microbiologist Alexander Fleming returned from vacation to his position in the inoculation department of St. Mary’s Hospital to what he initially thought was a spoiled experiment. A Staphylococcus (Staph) culture plate had grown mould; however, with closer inspection he realized that no bacteria grew near the mould. On further investigation, Fleming found that all bacteria had died when exposed to the mould. He refined the substance, and named it “penicillin.” This discovery helped during the Second World War, as soldiers suffered from horrific injuries worsened by the threat of infection. Further development in “penicillin” allowed scientist to mass produce the substance for the growing demand. Fleming received the Nobel Prize for his contributions to physiology and medicine in 1945. Penicillin assisted in treating previously untreatable diseases, and helped further the work of physicians in the battle against infection.