Dental bacteria observed by van Leeuwenhoek, described in a letter of 1683. Van Leeuwenhoek described them as 'little animals between teeth' (Dutch: 'levende dierkens tusschen tanden') and was the first to discover bacteria on the teeth. These bacteria are from tartar, a hardened form of the dental biofilm plaque. Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) built his own microscopes and was able to study the natural world in greater detail than was previously possible. His pioneering observations, many being new discoveries, included protozoa, bacteria, insects, plants, minerals, blood cells, and sperm. His earliest observations were published in 1673, and over the next 50 years he self-published and wrote hundreds of letters to scientists and learned societies detailing his discoveries. This page is from Letter 39 to Francis Aston, written 17 September 1683. |