The first cells were identified in a piece of cork by the English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665. Using a compound microscope, Hooke observed that the cork had a honeycomb structure made up of small, box-like spaces. He referred to these spaces as ‘cells’ because they reminded him of the small rooms (cells) used by monks in monasteries.
Hooke’s discovery was significant because it marked the beginning of cell biology. Although he was looking at dead plant tissue and did not understand the full nature of cells, his observations laid the groundwork for future research. Later advancements in microscopy allowed scientists to explore living cells and understand their structures and functions in greater detail.