The cell was discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665.

He observed cells for the first time using a microscope he built himself while looking at a thin slice of cork.

He published his findings in his book Micrographia in 1665, and he coined the term "cell" because the structures he observed reminded him of the small rooms inhabited by monks.

It should be noted that Hooke only observed the cell walls of dead plant cells and did not see the inner components of living cells.

Later, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe living cells in greater detail.

• To learn more about Robert Hooke please see: Britannica - Robert Hooke

• To learn more about Antonie van Leeuwenhoek please see: Britannica - Antonie van Leeuwenhoek