the scientist usually considered the first to see microorganisms which he called animalcules was
Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek (/ËleÉªvÉnhÊk/ , [ÉnËtoËni vÉn ËleËuÉ(n)ËÉ¦uk]. ; October 24, 1632 â August 26, 1723) was a Dutch tradesman and scientist. He is commonly known as  the Father of Microbiology , and considered to be the first microbiologist.He is best known for his work on the improvement of the microscope and for his contributions towards the establishment of microbiology.an Leeuwenhoek married Barbara de Mey in July 1654, with whom he would have one surviving daughter, Maria (four other children died in infancy). That same year he returned to Delft, where he would live and study for the rest of his life. He opened a draper's shop, which he ran throughout the 1650s.