Origins & Early Life

Jan Swammerdam (February 12, 1637 – February 17, 1680) was a Dutch biologist and microscopist. His work on insects demonstrated that the various phases during the life of an insect—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—are different forms of the same animal. As part of his anatomical research, he carried out experiments on muscle contraction. In 1658, he was the first to observe and describe red blood cells.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was one of the first people to use the microscope in dissections, and his techniques remained useful for hundreds of years. Johannes Swammerdam was baptized on 15 February 1637 in the Oude Kerk Amsterdam. His father Jan (or Johannes) Jacobsz (-1678) was an apothecary and an amateur collector of minerals, coins, fossils, and insects from around the world. In 1632 he married Baartje Jans (-1660) in Weesp. The couple lived across the Montelbaanstoren, near the harbour, the headquarter and the warehouses of the Dutch West India Company where an uncle worked.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Some of their children were buried in the Walloon church, likewise Jan himself (who never married) and his father. As a youngster, Swammerdam had helped his father to take care of his curiosity collection. Despite his...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1637 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1637
• February 12 (02-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 12
• 1680 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1680
• February 17 (02-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 17