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600 BCE
Anaximander proposes Spontaneous Generation
Anaximander is an ancient greek philosopher who proposed that all life arose from the elements of the world. -
Period: 600 BCE to
History of Spontaneous Generation
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384 BCE
Aristotle embraces spontaneous generation
Aristotle, and the Greek philosophers in his era, all advocated the theory of spontaneous generation. Although their theories varied, they were consistent in support that life came from nothing. -
Jan 1, 1578
Early modern biologists challenge the spontaneous generation
William Harvey, an English Physician, coined the term “ex ova omnia” (all from eggs). He was one of the first to reject spontaneous generation. Along him was Francisco Redi, Antonio Vallisnieri, and other biologists. The discovery of micro organisms by Van Leeuwenhoek turned the scientists’ attention to the smaller world of the insect. It was then proven that even flies were not spontaneously generated. -
Redi’s experiment
Francisco Redi, an Italian scientist, designed the very specific experiment to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation by placing fresh meat in an open jar and one covered with a cloth. This experiment was redone multiple times in support or challenge to the spontaneous generation. -
19th century’s debate
In the 19th century, further debate occurred around the work of Buffon’s support for spontaneous generation. It was during the time, that Darwin’s very Grandfather, Dr Erasmus Darwin, wrote that “Hence without parents, by spontaneous birht, Rise the first specks of animated earth.” -
Omnis cellula e cellula (all cells from cells)
Famous pathologist and cytologist Rudolph Virchow claimed that spontaneous generation was “heresy, or devil’s work”. A firm supported of cell theory, Virchow witnessed the turning of the battle. -
Pasteur disproves spontaneous gerneration
Pasteur re-created the Redi’s experiment. Armed with the latest technology of the 19th century, was able to prove that life, did not arouse from non-living organic material.
