Athena Review Image Archive ™
von Leeuwenhoek drawing of cow spinal cord (1717)
Drawing of cow spinal cord (after von Leeuwenhoek 1717 ).
Antonie von Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) made a number of pioneering studies through a microscope, and in so doing, almost single-handedly revolutionized the science of biology. Using a small, ball-like lens that could magnify up to 150 or 200 times, von Leeuwenhoek designed single-lens microscopes which enhanced the viewing light and allowed him to observe and draw previously unseen subjects thus magnified. He described his findings in a series of over 100 letters to scientific friends.
This figure, sent in a letter in 1717, shows his
much magnified drawing of a cow spinal cord, including (1) a lengthwise section
of the spinal cord nerve, showing a secondary nerve branching off; and (2) a
cross section of the spinal cord nerve, showing five bundled nerves and
surrounding fat.
Reference:
von Leeuwenhoek, A. 1717. Letter of 1717-03-02 (AB 326 SB XXXII) to Abraham Cornelis van Bleyswyck.
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