The Foundations of Spontaneous Generation

The theory of spontaneous generation was the dominant scientific explanation for the origin of life for centuries. It proposed that living organisms could arise from non-living matter, a belief rooted in ancient philosophies, including those of Aristotle and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Lamarck attempted to reconcile these ideas with emerging evolutionary concepts, setting the stage for later scientific exploration. However, despite its long-standing acceptance, this theory faced increasing scrutiny as scientists such as Pierre Antonio Micheli advanced a more experimental approach to studying life.