Robert Hooke 
Micrographia 
Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon

Robert Hooke’s ‘Micrographia’ is a groundbreaking work in the history of science and literature, first published in 1665. The book is a collection of detailed observations made through the newly invented microscope, showcasing intricate illustrations and descriptions of phenomena such as insects, plants, and minerals. Hooke’s writing style is both informative and elegant, making the scientific discoveries accessible to a wider audience. ‘Micrographia’ is considered a major contribution to the field of microscopy and has influenced the study of natural history and biology. Hooke’s meticulous approach to scientific inquiry is evident in his precise drawings and descriptions, setting a new standard for scientific illustration in his time. The book also reflects the broader intellectual currents of the 17th century, with an emphasis on empirical observation and the scientific method. Hooke’s background as a natural philosopher and experimental scientist likely influenced his interest in microscopy and led to the creation of ‘Micrographia’. As a pioneering work in the history of science and literature, ‘Micrographia’ is recommended to readers interested in the intersection of art and science, as well as the history of microscopy and scientific discovery.

Giới thiệu về tác giả

Robert Hooke (1635–1703) was a prolific English natural philosopher, architect, and polymath who played a significant role in the scientific revolution through his work and influence. A contemporary of Isaac Newton and Christopher Wren, Hooke made foundational contributions across multiple scientific disciplines. Most notably, in his capacity as Curator of Experiments for the Royal Society, Hooke authored ‘Micrographia’ (1665), a seminal work that offered the world one of its first detailed explorations into the realm of the microscopic. In ‘Micrographia’, Hooke not only coined the term ‘cell’ for the basic biological structures he observed in cork, but he also documented an extensive range of observations of minerals, fossils, and organisms, capturing the imagination of the scientific community with his detailed illustrations. Hooke’s inquisitive nature and mechanical genius were evident in his varied inventions and improvements to scientific instruments, including the compound microscope. His literary style was characterized by both rigorous empirical observation and a certain vividness in description, which helped to make the sciences more accessible and captivating to a wider audience. Hooke’s work contributed substantially to the evolution of scientific methodology, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and the use of advanced technology in natural inquiry.