Henry Harris, one of the world's leading cell biologists, here provides a strikingly original account of how scientists came to understand that the bodies of all living things are composed of microscopic units that we now call cells. Harris turns to the primary literature - to reconstruct the events that enabled researchers to comprehend the nature and purpose of cells. Translating many of these documents into English for the first time, Harris uncovers an authentic version of events quite different from that described in conventional science textbooks.
Sir Henry Harris is regius professor of medicine emeritus, University of Oxford.
A book that should be read by anyone concerned with the biological sciences. The Lancet "Harris weaves a most interesting tale, from Leewenhoek and Hooke in the seventeenth century through the earliest days of the twentieth century...This book deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in history or the cell." Robert E. Peterson, American Scientist "Harris, a highly respected scientist and historian of science, has written an exceptional history of this seminal period of biology that will surely become the standard." Library Journal "A treasure trove of ideas and information." Nathan Dubowsky, Science Book and Films