Microbiology Pioneers
Contributors to Microbiology
Pioneers of Microbiology I. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (Oct. 24, 1632- Aug. 30, 1723) A. In 1676 Leeuwenhoek saw tiny organisms in water, he was the first man to observe and describe bacteria accurately. He discovered microscopic nematodes, blood cells and sperm. He also made over 500 microscopes to view specific objects. B. Microbiology is concerned with the study of all forms of life that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Antonie’s work dealt with bacteria, which are tiny microorganisms that can only be seen with the help of instruments like the microscope, which he invented. II. John Tyndall (Aug. 2, 1820- Dec. 4, 1893) C. In 1877 Tyndall demonstrated that dust carries microorganisms. He showed that if dust was absent, nutrient broths remained sterile, even if directly exposed to air. He also provided evidence for the existence of exceptionally heat-resistant forms of bacteria (endospores). He proposed tyndallization, a method of sterilization that can be used to destroy spores. D. Microbiology deals with everything pertaining to microorganisms including , but not limited to the way they reproduce. Tyndall’s work assisted with the understanding of just that. III. Nicolas Appert (Nov. 17, 1749- June 1, 1841) E. He coined the term appertisation, which is the process of destroying all the micro-organisms of significance in food. He also invented the process of canning. F. Food microbiology is the study of the microorganisms that inhabit, create, or contaminate food. This includes the study of microorganisms that cause food spoilage. IV. Theodor Schwann (Dec. 7, 1810- Jan. 11, 1882) G. Schwann identified the role played by microorganisms in alcohol fermentation and putrefaction processes. He also came up with the “cell theory”, which states that all living things are composed of cells. H. Microbiology includes the study of all aspects of the biology of
Pioneers of Microbiology I. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (Oct. 24, 1632- Aug. 30, 1723) A. In 1676 Leeuwenhoek saw tiny organisms in water, he was the first man to observe and describe bacteria accurately. He discovered microscopic nematodes, blood cells and sperm. He also made over 500 microscopes to view specific objects. B. Microbiology is concerned with the study of all forms of life that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Antonie’s work dealt with bacteria, which are tiny microorganisms that can only be seen with the help of instruments like the microscope, which he invented. II. John Tyndall (Aug. 2, 1820- Dec. 4, 1893) C. In 1877 Tyndall demonstrated that dust carries microorganisms. He showed that if dust was absent, nutrient broths remained sterile, even if directly exposed to air. He also provided evidence for the existence of exceptionally heat-resistant forms of bacteria (endospores). He proposed tyndallization, a method of sterilization that can be used to destroy spores. D. Microbiology deals with everything pertaining to microorganisms including , but not limited to the way they reproduce. Tyndall’s work assisted with the understanding of just that. III. Nicolas Appert (Nov. 17, 1749- June 1, 1841) E. He coined the term appertisation, which is the process of destroying all the micro-organisms of significance in food. He also invented the process of canning. F. Food microbiology is the study of the microorganisms that inhabit, create, or contaminate food. This includes the study of microorganisms that cause food spoilage. IV. Theodor Schwann (Dec. 7, 1810- Jan. 11, 1882) G. Schwann identified the role played by microorganisms in alcohol fermentation and putrefaction processes. He also came up with the “cell theory”, which states that all living things are composed of cells. H. Microbiology includes the study of all aspects of the biology of
Bibliography: * http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/van_leeuwenhoek_antonie.shtml * http://www.gitam.edu/eresource/environmental/em_maruthi/history.htm * http://www.hometrainingtools.com/microbiology-cells-science-explorations-newsletter/a/1202/ * http://www.md.ucl.ac.be/histoire/schwann/schwannGA.pdf * http://www.snow.edu/kevins/Biol_2200_files/PrescottC1_History_Scope.pdf * Database, Gale,2003 * Science and its times Ed. Neil schlager and josh Lauer * Cambridge dictionary of scientist * Author David, Ian John, Margaret Millar (1996) published by the press