1804-1881

German Botanist

Matthias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann (1810-1882) are generally regarded as the first scientists to establish cell theory. Cell theory is a fundamental aspect of modern biology. This powerful generalization has played an essential role in explaining the basic unity of plant and animal life, the mechanism of inheritance, fertilization, development and differentiation, and evolutionary theory. Building upon the discovery of the cell nucleus by Robert Brown (1773-1858), Schleiden demonstrated that plants are composed of cells and cell products.

Schleiden studied law at the University of Heidelberg, but he was so unsuccessful in his attempts to establish a law practice in Hamburg that he was driven to suicide. Fortunately, his self-inflicted gunshot wound was not fatal. By the time he had recovered from his injury and depression, Schleiden decided to give up law and study natural science. He earned doctorates in...