ROBERT HOOKE

modern research.

 

Although Hooke was the discoverer of cells, he was also very talented in all aspects of the scientific field. Hooke was a very well-rounded scientist, who studied and explored nearly every aspect in science. For instance, one of Robert Hooke’s key achievements to the scientific world includes his contribution to orbital dynamics, more commonly known today as astrodynamics. Robert Hooke played a significant role in both the development of dynamics and the theory of gravitation (Nauenberg, 10). Hooke established a foundation for modern day orbital dynamics by formulating the principles of orbital dynamics itself. While Newton created the law of universal gravitation, Hooke used Newton’s laws to formulate the concept of universal gravitational attraction in the year of 1674, which stated that gravity originates from pulses of matter in relation to light and sound (Nauenberg, 15-16). Constantly in competition with his challenger, Isaac Newton, Hooke proposed experiments to determine how gravitational force depended on distance above and below Earth’s surface (Nauenberg, 24).

 

Without Hooke’s studies, the world would not have been exposed to such detailed measures concerning the principles of planetary motion alone. Thus, Hooke’s principles of orbital dynamics, and his universal law of gravitational attraction contributed to the modern-day concept of planetary motion (Nauenberg, 31). Today, the principles of planetary motion regarding the different orbits that occupy the solar system can be traced back to the origins of Hooke’s principles of orbital dynamics. Accordingly, his development of improved microscopes, telescopes, and barometers led to the modern-day accuracy and precision in scientific instruments that prominently dominates the urban scientific world today. Hooke’s studies led modern-day scientists to conclude that the mathematical formulation of orbital motion is defined by the approximation of a central force on a body within periodic impulses (Nauenberg, 32). Because of Hooke’s observations and studies, scientists were able to finalize Hooke’s experimental data to finalize a mathematical relationship to his principles. Hooke’s studies, influenced by the mathematical concepts of calculus derived from Leibinz, suggest that his observations may have also, in turn, indirectly contributed to the modern-day concepts of calculus that the society now deals with (Nauenberg, 32).

 

In addition, Robert Hooke is credited to the discovery of the cell. Hooke studied the concept of cells after he microscopically discovered it through experimental research. Through his publication, Micrographia, Hooke was able to sufficiently record his observations in detail as he studied the physical structure and composition of a cork (Gest, 2). Hooke came to realize that the cork itself was comprised of smaller chambers, which he named “cells.” This new concept of cells drastically influenced the world’s new view of the scientific world, proving a smaller existence than mankind would have ever imagined in the 17th century. By studying the composition of other small objects under the assistance of his microscope, leaf surfaces, hair, and seaweed, Hooke was able to officially conclude that cells were, indeed, a new yet true concept in the scientific field (Gest, 2). Furthermore, Hooke greatly advanced the techniques of microscopy through his own personal studies (Gest, 2). Robert Hooke also introduced the experimental method of scientific research through his microscopic studies, demonstrating that experimental trial and error were necessities and key requirements to a successful conclusion (Gest, 7).

 

Hooke’s experiment led to the establishment of the cell theory. By introducing the concept of cells to England through his studies, the new concept globally spread and allowed other scientists to build upon the information. In addition, by Hooke using the method of experimental trial and error, his success using this method proved that it could be used in order to allow mankind to gain a more clear understanding of nature (Gest, 7). The modern-day scientific field of microbiology can also be traced back to the origins of the studies of Robert Hooke himself, who presented the first publication of the description a microorganism (Gest, 7). Hooke introduced the concept of modern-day microorganisms to the world by describing the microfungus, Mucor (Gest, 7). In addition, Robert Hooke contributed to modern-day microscopy. For example, Hooke’s experimentation led the world to a microscopical advancement. He led to the more accurate, modern-day microscope using a single lens, which gave a larger and more precise view. Since Hooke claimed that the weakness of his eyes made it easier for him to use a microscope with a larger, single lens, this furthermore led to the urban advancement in the scientific instrument of the microscope itself (Gest, 2).