Anton van Leeuwenhoek was a Dutch scientist born on 24 October 1632, in what was then the Dutch Republic. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Anton van Leeuwenhoek was proclaimed "The Father of Microbiology" by the scientific world for his many contributions to science throughout his life. He made discoveries about bacteria, spermatozoa, single-celled life forms, the size and shape of red blood cells, and lymphatic capillaries, but his greatest achievement was the creation of magnifying glasses for microscopes. Anton van Leeuwenhoek was able to achieve many feats and develop and improve science for centuries to come. During his early life, Anton van Leeuwenhoek traveled at a young age to find work. Anton van Leeuwenhoek saw his first simple microscope when he was 16 while in Amsterdam. At the time he had obtained an apprenticeship with a textile manufacturer and was working as an accountant and cashier. In 1654 he returned to his hometown of Delft and founded his own successful drapery business. However, Anton's interest in microscopes and glassmaking would continue to thrive, leading him to create groundbreaking discoveries later in life. Although Anton van Leeuwenhoek is known as the "father of microbiology" and is praised by the scientific community, it was surprising that he made the discoveries that he did. Since he came from a family with a long lineage of merchants, it was unexpected that he would become a scientist. He was an unlikely scientist because no one before him in his family had received a higher education or university degree. Due to his family's educational deficiencies, the scientific community of the time completely excluded him. However, Anton overlooked this factor and managed to make some of the most important discoveries in the history of biology. Anton van Leeuwenhoek learned to make lenses and built simple microscopes with which he made observations. After coming across a copy of Robert Hooke's book Micrographia, Anton was inspired and began developing microscopes. He created lenses with a magnification of between 50 and about 300 times. He had never told anyone the secret of how he created his lenses and often joked with the public about their creation. Many people were looking for his secret and, to shock the competition, Anton told how he had to grind glass for long periods of time to create his lenses. His secret to making such impressive lenses was taken with him to the grave at the age of 90. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Anton van Leeuwenhoek was an extraordinary scientist who defied the expectations and belittling of the scientific community. He was able to create and discover some of the most important theories in the history of biology. His studies have improved healthcare as we are now able to identify and study microscopic substances in greater detail. Furthermore, his discovery of red blood cells and their shape led to the development of health science. Thanks to Anton van Leeuwenhoek's discoveries, he was able to guide the future of science for centuries to come. In conclusion, he was recognized for his significant work and commitment which earned him the title “The Father of Microbiology”.”.