Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek[note 1] (/ˈleɪvənhʊk/, Dutch:*[ɑnˈtoːni vɑn ˈleːuə(n)ˌɦuk]*( listen); October 24, 1632 – August 26, 1723) was a Dutch tradesman and scientist. He is commonly known as "the Father of Microbiology", and considered to be the first microbiologist. He is best known for his work on the improvement of the microscope and for his contributions towards the establishment of microbiology.

Raised in Delft, Netherlands, Leeuwenhoek worked as a draper in his youth, and founded his own shop in 1654. He made a name for himself in municipal politics, and eventually developed an interest in lensmaking. Using his handcrafted microscopes, he was the first to observe and describe single-celled organisms, which he originally referred to as animalcules, and which are now referred to as microorganisms. He was also the first to record microscopic observations of muscle fibers, bacteria, spermatozoa, and blood flow in capillaries (small blood vessels). Leeuwenhoek did not author any books; his discoveries came to light through correspondence with the Royal Society, which published his letters.

Early life and career
Sir William Davidson of Curriehill had appointed Leeuwenhoek in 1648 as his assistant. Leeuwenhoek left after six years. (By Abraham van den Tempel, 1664)

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was born in Delft, Holland, on October 24, 1632. Christened Thonis, he is believed to be of Hollander ancestry: his father, Philips Antonysz van Leeuwenhoek, was a basket maker who died when Antony was five years old.
His mother, Margaretha (Bel van den Berch), came from a well-to-do brewer's family, and married Jacbon Jansz Molijn, a painter, after Philips' death.
Antony had four older sisters, Margriete, Geertruyt, Neeltge, and Catharina. Little is known of his early life; he attended school near Leyden for a short time before being sent to live in Benthuizen with his uncle, an attorney and town clerk.
He became an apprentice at a linen-draper's shop in Amsterdam at the age of 16.]

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