Abstract

The bulk of this valuable study provides us with a wealth of information on early microscopy: the construction and use of microscopes, attitudes towards such instruments and what they discovered, their use in theory construction. Wilson carefully analyzes the work of many persons working with microscopes, especially those we would call biologists, in their quest for an understanding of the generation of life. Well-known scientists such as Harvey, Leeuwenhoek, Malpighi, Grew, Boyle, and microscopists such as Hooke and Power are presented along with many lesser known researchers. The author also discusses earlier figures such as Aristotle and Gassendi. The contribution of various philosophers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Malebranche, Berkeley, Locke, to the development of the microscope are placed in historical context.