Micrographia: Illustrated

This is a high quality reproduction of the original work, complete with illustrations. Robert Hooke (1635‒1703) was an English polymath who is perhaps best remembered for his many contributions in different fields of science. He can be considered the first scientist in history to be hired and paid exclusively to produce scientific work. While holding a position at the prestigious Royal Society, he prepared Micrographia, the first major publication of the Society. In this volume, Robert Hooke described detailed observations of several materials, insects and plants, made with a microscope and various different lenses. He also included some astronomical observations made with a telescope. The book contains the first observation of cells, made possible thanks to the power of the microscope. While observing a slice of cork, Hooke noted tiny units that resembled cells inhabited by monks in a monastery. During his later years he worked on a theory of gravitation that brought him in a harsh dispute with Isaac Newton. This rivalry resulted in a damaged reputation for Robert Hooke, with his name gradually fading into obscurity. This work has been newly converted and integrated for maximum quality and readability.