The seventeenth century saw the emergence of the experimental science of nature, made possible by the invention and development of unique technological innovations. The optical microscope, for instance, greatly expanded the realm of the observable in the organic world. Through the use of this instrument the cellular nature of living tissues and the existence of microorganisms came to light near the closing of the century.
by Eliseo Fernandez
Take a look at our online exhibit Voyages: Scientific Circumnavigations 1679-1859.
London's Leonardo by 
Micrographia; or, Some physiological descriptions of minute bodies made by magnifying glasses, with observations and inquiries thereupon by Arcana naturae detecta by Continuatio arcanorum naturae detectorum by