The fabric of life: microscopy in the seventeenth century
Year: 1997
Type: book-review
Abstract: Based on research into Dutch sources, this text examines the reasons for the microscope's appearance and then eclipse in the 17th century. It looks at the work of five leading microscopists of the period - Robert Hooke, Marcello Malpighi, Jan Swammerdam, Nehemiah Grew, and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek - and locates the answers in the mentalities these men applied to their work. These early scientists are seen as having used their microscopical observations as arguments in favour of mechanical philosophy. With the aid of the microscope, their work led to unexpected discoveries, making the microscope all the rage in some circles but also raising new issues that eventually discouraged the use of the new device.
Source: Choice Reviews Online
Author: Guerrini, Anita
Language: English
Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2321606302