Discovery of Cell:

A cell was discovered through observations. Discovery of a cell is associated with the following facts.

1. Discovery of Magnifying Glass:

Observations were started with the discovery of magnifying glass.

2. Development of Microscope:

Micro = Small; skopein = to see.

In 1610 Galileo an Italian astronomer developed microscope to observe small organisms.

3. Invention of Compound Microscope and Discovery of Cell:

In 1665, Robert Hook made an improved microscope by combining lens, called compound microscope. He examined a slice of cork. He noticed honeycomb like chambers which he named the cell (small room). He studied the cell wall only.

4. Discovery of Nucleus:

In 1831 Robert Brown discovered a spherical body, the nucleus in the cells of orchids.

5. Discovery of Plant Cells:

In 1838 Schleiden a German botanist, proposed that all plants are made up of cells.

6. Discovery of Animal Cells:

In 1839 Theoder Schwann stated that all animals are made up of cells. He observed nuclei in all types of animal cells, but failed to observe cell walls in them.

7. Formation of New Cells:

In 1858, Rudolf Virchow stated that news cells come only from other cells i.e. Animal cells come from animal cells and plant cells from plant cells.