Int. J. Dev. Biol. 53: 1123 - 1143 (2009)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.093020rm

Vol 53, Issue 8-9-10

Special Issue: Developmental Biology in Hispania (Spain & Portugal)

Early bases of modern Embryology in Spain: Microscopical Anatomy and the introduction of Cell Theory and Histology in their scientific and social European context

Open Access | Essay | Published: 6 November 2009

Roberto Marco-Cuellar¹(†) and Juan Aréchaga*^,2

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain and ²Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain

Abstract

We present a survey of the introduction and evolution of microscopy techniques in Spain, and the concepts and lines of research developed around this instrument, particularly in the field of Biomedical research. We cover in our article the long period from the XVII Century to the arrival of the great figure of Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1853-1934). We particularly want to mention many of the previously neglected pioneers who certainly paved the route for his discoveries and, we believe that without them, he would never have arrived to his important position in the annals of Biology and Medicine. The historical, scientific and social framework of that period also helped the approach to important biological concepts such as the cell and tissue, which are previous and essential ideas for a correct understanding of Development.

Keywords

Cell Theory in Spain, Spanish School of Histology, Spanish Embryology, History of Medicine, History of Biology