Robert Hooke used a compound microscope to study tree bark, and it was during this examination that he first coined the term “cell”. His microscope, which was one of the most advanced of his time, had multiple lenses that allowed him to magnify objects significantly. The bark he studied came from a cork oak tree, and Hooke observed the small pores within the bark, resembling tiny rooms, which he referred to as cells.
Hooke’s work, published in his book Micrographia in 1665, was groundbreaking. It not only introduced the concept of cells in biological study but also showcased the power of microscopy in exploring the miniature world. The accuracy and detail he achieved in his observations set the stage for future advancements in biology and microscopy.