Microbial World The history of Microbiology

Microbiology dates back to the 1600s. This is when there was recorded evidence of scientists collecting and observing micro organisms. Robert Hooke was the first person to do so, as he studied strands of fungi among the different cells he observed. In the 1670s, Anton van Leeuwenhoek conducted research on protozoa, fungi and bacteria. After he died, is when the theory of spontaneous generation was developed. This is because there were only a handful of experiments to support his claims. Under the theory, it was believed that life forms emerge from lifeless matter such as beef broth. This debate continued until Lazzaro Spallanzani and Francesco Redi disputed it through a series of experiments that were conducted by them. (Bastian, 2001) (Black, 2008)

In the late 1880s, Louis Pasteur concluded that bacteria can make someone ill and demonstrated how it will have an effect on all organisms. His finding, further underscored that spontaneous generation was inaccurate....

This provided background for Robert Koch to show the way bacteria creates germs, diseases and other illnesses. The conclusions that were drawn from his research, helped in establishing the field of Microbiology. (Bastian, 2001) (Black, 2008)
The early theory of spontaneous generation and discuss one experiment which supported the theory of spontaneous generation.

The theory of spontaneous generation was believed to be the most logical explanation as to how germs evolved from non-living objects. It supported the arguments surrounding the way life evolved. A good example this can be seen with a study that was conducted by John Needham. He boiled a hot pot of broth and let it sit uncovered for three days. At which point, he discovered that there were other microorganisms inside. The most logical explanation is that the theory of spontaneous generation is correct. This occurred with the micro organisms appearing out of nowhere after select periods of time. (Bastian, 2001) (Black, 2008)

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