This fascinating new title examines the sequence of events that led to the formation of cell theory. In 1665, scientist Robert Hooke published Micrographia, the first significant work focused on miscroscopial observation. His groundbreaking work inspired scientists and led to the creation of this fundamental biological principle that shaped modern biology.

The field of cell biology is built on a foundation of discoveries stretching back to the earliest descriptions of cell theory in the 1800s. Today, our growing insight into cells and their control of life functions continues to generate advances in areas such as medicine, agriculture, genetics, and reproduction. This book traces the rise of cell biology and explains biological concepts through easy-to-follow text. Sidebars provide biographies of key scientists and descriptions of the evolution of microscopes and other significant technologies. Readers travel deep inside the cell, following the path of scientists as they unlock its mysteries.

More than a history, From Cells to Organisms delves into the nature of scientific practice, showing that results are interpreted not only through the lens of a microscope, but also through the lens of particular ideas and prior philosophical convictions. Before the twentieth century, heredity and development were considered complementary aspects of the fundamental problem of generation, but later they became distinct disciplines with the rise of genetics. Focusing on how cell theory shaped investigations of development, this book explores evolution, vitalism, the role of the nucleus, and the concept of biological individuality. Building upon the work of Thomas Huxley, an important early critic of cell theory, and more recent research from biologists such as Daniel Mazia, From Cells to Organisms covers ongoing debates around cell theory and uses case studies to examine the nature of scientific practice, the role of prestige, and the dynamics of theory change.

The field of cell biology is built on a foundation of discoveries stretching back to the earliest descriptions of cell theory in the 1800s. Today, our growing insight into cells and their control of life functions continues to generate advances in areas such as medicine, agriculture, genetics, and reproduction. This book traces the rise of cell biology and explains biological concepts through easy-to-follow text. Sidebars provide biographies of key scientists and descriptions of the evolution of microscopes and other significant technologies. Readers travel deep inside the cell, following the path of scientists as they unlock its mysteries.

This book covers cell-cell channels at all levels of biological organization. The purpose of this book is to document that cells are not physically separated and fully autonomous units of biological life as stated by the currently valid Cell Theory. If not the cell then some lower level unit must fulfill this role. The book deals also with the identity of this elusive unit of biological life.