Cell theory states that all living things are made of cells, that the cell is the basic unit of structure and organisation in organisms, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. Robert Hooke first used the word cell in 1665 after seeing the box-like structure of cork under a microscope, and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek later observed living single-celled organisms. In 1838 the botanist Matthias Schleiden concluded that plants are made of cells, and in 1839 his friend the zoologist Theodor Schwann extended the idea to animals. Rudolf Virchow completed the theory in 1855 with the principle that every cell comes from another cell. The theory is a foundation of modern biology and medicine.
Before and after
- from 25 May 1838 to 1 January 1839Cherokee removal
- from 18 August 1838 to 10 June 1842United States Exploring Expedition
- 1839Photography
- 1839Publication of Oliver Twist
- 1839Cell theory
- January 1839Discovery of lanthanum
- 1839Founding of Madame Tussauds
- from 1839 to 1841Second Egyptian-Ottoman War
- from 1839 to 1876Tanzimat
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The era
This moment belongs to the Industrial era (1760 CE to 1914 CE), steam, factories and revolutions. You can also browse everything in the 19th century.