The first microscope by Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

In the past, scientists could only observe the world around them with the naked eye. They could not see anything out of the human range of vision.

However, around the year 1700, the Dutch scientist Anton Van Leeuwenhoek changed science forever. He was able to examine a drop of water using a simple microscope which was basically a powerful magnifying glass. Van Leeuwenhoek discovered a new world, full of tiny creatures. 

Using his microscope, Van Leeuwenhoek observed and drew pictures of cells and many microorganisms, including bacteria. This made him the "Father of Microbiology".