Microbe Hunters by Paul de Kruif A Summariza

Microbe Hunters by Paul de Kruif:

A Summarization of the First 8 Chapters

The book, Microbe Hunters, depicts the pioneers of microbiology. It's first 8 chapters range from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century. During that time period, the science of microbiology progressed from the first microscope to the cures for several devastating diseases.

The book's first chapter describes the life and work of Antony Leeuwenhoek. Born in Delft, Holland around 1632, the man lived during a period of relative ignorance. Despite this adversity though, Leeuwenhoek created a new branch of science.

Leeuwenhoek's parents were brewers and ranked high in Dutch society. When his father died, his mother sent Leeuwenhoek to school to become a government official. At the age of 16, however, the young man left school and became an apprentice in a dry-goods store in Amsterdam. After 6 years, he returned to Delft, married, and set up his own dry-goods store.

While living in Delft, Leeuwenhoek took an interest in lens grinding. Although his neighbors may have viewed him as slightly "cracked," the man's tireless efforts produced tiny lenses less than one-eighth of an inch across. Because of the lenses' perfect symmetry, they created high magnification. Eventually, Leeuwenhoek's skills led to the invention of the microscope.

At first, Leeuwenhoek used his invention to investigate his surroundings. When Delft's leading scientist, Regnier de Graff noticed Leeuwenhoek's

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t were necessary for fermentation and recommended that the distillers rid their vats of other organisms. In time, Pasteur would additionally apply his knowledge to France's wine industry, vinegar-making, and silkworm disease. Moreover, English surgeon Lister used Pasteur's "theory of putrefaction" to implement sterile surgical techniques. After delineating these virtual milestones in science, however, the chapter abruptly transitions to Robert Koch (de Kruif 52-96). In fact, chapter 4 is devoted entirely to Robert Koch. In 1866, at the age of 24, Koch graduated from medical college at the University of G�ttingen. He would eventually "change the whole business of doctors from a foolish hocus-pocus with pills and leeches into an intelligent fight where science instead of superstition was the weapon." Koch's first job as a physician was as an intern in a Hamburg insane asylum. He found the work dull, however, and yearned for a more adventurous life. Unfortunately for Koch though, his future wife, Emmy Fraatz, would only agreed to marry him on the condition that he forsake his wild fantasies and settle down. The doctor assented to her demands. As time passed, Koch became increasingly restless. He became dissatis

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