8 Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Friday, March 6th 2015. | Science

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek tell you about the Dutch scientist and tradesman. He was born on 24 October 1632 and passed away on 26 August 1723. He was famous as the first microbiologist. There is no need to wonder that he is called as the Father of Microbiology. He contributed a lot of the development of microbiology and microscope. Here are other facts about Leeuwenhoek:

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 1: the early life

When he was young, Leeuwenhoek’s job was as a draper. In 1654, he established his first shop. During his childhood time, he was raised by his family in Delft, Netherlands.

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 2: the lensmaking

Leeuwenhoek developed his interest in lensmaking. He was the first man to make observation about single celled organisms. He called the organisms animalcules. Today, they are called microorganisms.

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 3: the microscopic observations

There are several microscopic observations that he made. He was the first one who recorded the bacteria, muscle fibers, blood flow in capillaries and spermatozoa observations.

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 4: place of birth

Leeuwenhoek was born on 24 October 1632 in Delft, Dutch Republic. When he was five years, his father died. His name was Philips Antonysz van Leeuwenhoek. His job was a basket maker. He had four elder sisters. Those were Margriete, Geertruyt, Neeltge, and Catharina. Get facts about Anders Celsius here.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek Quote

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 5: the mother

His mother was Margaretha. After the dead of Anton’s father, she married a painter named Jacbon Jansz Molijn.

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 6: the early education

He went to a school located near Leydon. Then Anton lived with his uncle who worked as an attorney and town clerk in Benthuizen after he left the school. When he was 16 years old, he was an apprentice at linen draper shop located in Amsterdam.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek Pictures

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 7: marriage

In July 1654, he wedded Barbara de Mey. During the infancy, there were four children died in the family. Therefore, this couple only had one surviving daughter named Maria. After the death of his wife in 1666, he married Cornelia Swalmius in 1671. Both did not have any surviving children. Find out another scientist in Andrew Wiles facts.

Facts about Anton van Leeuwenhoek 8: the powerful lenses

Reinier de Graaf was a friend of Anton. He was a notable Dutch physician. Leeuwenhoek showed him the way to create powerful lenses to study the microscopic objects. The letter of Leeuwenhoek which showed the observation of lice, mold and bees were published by the Royal Society in 1673.