The Evolution of Life: From Spontaneous Generation to Microbial Discoveries

This chapter explores early scientific inquiries into the origins of life, particularly focusing on Pierre Antonio Micheli's observations of plant and fungal species and his experiments with boiled broth. It also addresses the ongoing debate surrounding spontaneous generation through the work of Lazaro Spallanzani and the role of microbes in fermentation. Additionally, the chapter highlights the evolution of the scientific method and the significance of foundational lab equipment in understanding these concepts.