What are the important dates in the history of the cell theory?

Check this timeline

http://library.thinkquest.org/28599/timeline.htm

The cell theory is a fundamental concept in biology that states that all living organisms are made up of cells, cells are the basic structural and functional units of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells. The development of the cell theory involved the contributions of several scientists over many years. Here are some important dates in the history of the cell theory:

1. 1665 - Robert Hooke: Hooke, an English scientist, observed thin slices of cork under a compound microscope and coined the term "cell" to describe the small compartments he saw. This was the first recorded observation of cells.

2. 1674 - Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist, constructed powerful single-lens microscopes and made detailed observations of living organisms, including bacteria and protozoa. His work provided evidence of the existence of microscopic cells.

3. 1838 - Matthias Schleiden: Schleiden, a German botanist, proposed that plants are made up of cells. He suggested that cells are the building blocks of all plant tissues.

4. 1839 - Theodor Schwann: Schwann, a German physiologist, extended Schleiden's ideas to animals. He stated that all animals are composed of cells, similar to the way plants are composed of cells.

5. 1855 - Rudolf Virchow: Virchow, a German pathologist, added to the cell theory by proposing that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. This principle is known as cell division and is a key aspect of the cell theory.

These dates highlight the key contributions made by various scientists in establishing the cell theory. It is important to note that the development of this theory was a gradual process with multiple scientists building upon each other's work.