- Microbiology is the study of organisms of microscopic size called microorganisms or microbes. They are very small in size and hence can not be seen with unaided eyes. We can observe them only through a microscopes. Microbes include bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses.
- Microbiology began when people learned to make lenses from glass and combine them to produce magnifications great enough to see microbes.
- Antony Van Leeuwenhoek (1632- 1723) of Holland got the credit for the discovery of the microbial world. He is called the father of Microbiology. He was a merchant by profession. He ground lenses and made microscopes as a hobby. He observed cells with an improved microscope.
- The resolution was enough to allow about 3 or 4 hundred X useful magnification. He put hay and pepper into water and then looked at it through his microscope. Leewenhoek saw bacteria, protozoa, yeasts and described all the microbial forms we now know, excepting viruses.
- He described the microbes he saw under vthe microscope as “animalcules” meaning little animals. He communicated his findings to the Royal Society of London where his observations were translated in English and published. In 1680 he was elected as a member of the society.