French natural philosopher who originated the aphorism, omnis cellula e cellula (every cell from…

French natural philosopher who originated the aphorism, omnis cellula e cellula (every cell from a cell), which Rudolf Virchow popularized.

Raspail was one of the early biologists who set cell theory in motion. As an expert microscopist, and made precise obserations to make an early description of the general characteristics of the plant cell.

Raspail was also a founder of cytochemistry. He used the iodine-starch color reaction to the cell and its products, and discovered histochemical reactions specific to protides and glucides. These were precursors to later biochemistry that could better recognize their importance.

He was also a founder of modern parasitology, and provided new data on the causes of diseases, including the itch mite agent of scabies.

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