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Article: Antony van Leeuwenhoek. (A Portrait in History).(microscopist)
- Article from:
- Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
- Article date:
- June 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 College of American Pathologists. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Antony van Leeuwenhoek was one of the greatest innovators in the world of biological sciences. Driven by insatiable curiosity and infinite energy, Leeuwenhoek devoted some 50 years of his life to his all-consuming passion--microscopy. He relied on his own innate genius in his lifelong quest to uncover the marvels of Nature.
Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) was born on October 24, 1632, in Delft, Netherlands. His father was a basket weaver Leeuwenhoek received no formal schooling in medical or biological sciences. He established a successful drapery business in Delft. Being in the cloth trade, he might have become familiar with the use of a magnifying glass for inspecting ...