Antoni van Leeuwenhoek: First to See Microscopic Life (Great Minds of Science)

Yount, Lisa

ISBN 10: 0766030121 ISBN 13: 9780766030121

Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc, 2009

Synopsis

Using microscopes he made himself, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek peered into exciting new worlds that no one knew existed before. Beginning in the 1670s, he discovered tiny, single-celled living things that he called "little animals." His curiosity led him to examine lake water, moldy bread, and even the plaque build-up on his own teeth. Van Leeuwenhoek was also the first to see red blood cells and bacteria. For his discoveries of microscopic life, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is remembered today as one of the great minds of science.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-This straightforward biography presents the life and achievements of the scientist who helped revolutionize the study of microscopic life. The writing style is typical of the series, with short, simple, rather choppy sentences. Leeuwenhoek was a fascinating man, however, and his unique path to scientific fame emerges to make this a lively read despite the sometimes dull text. He was a cloth merchant early in life, but his natural curiosity led him to make his own microscopes and begin his investigations. He lacked formal scientific training, so his own words about his work are very accessible and often amusing. His experiments also had a very human, personal element, as shown in the disgust he revealed when observing lice multiply on his leg over several days. The black-and-white illustrations include some of Leeuwenhoek's own work. More illustrations and diagrams would be helpful, though, since so much of his work was based on visual elements. While the stiff narrative keeps readers at a distance, Leeuwenhoek's personality and unusual approach to science come through.
Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library, OR
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0766030121
• ISBN 13: 9780766030121
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 128