Robert Hooke

Robert Hooke , 1635-1703, English physicist, mathematician, and inventor. He became curator of experiments for the Royal Society (1662), professor of geometry at Gresham College (1665), and city surveyor of London after the great 1666 fire. Considered the greatest mechanic of his age, he made many improvements in astronomical instruments and in watches and clocks, was the first to formulate the theory of planetary movements as a mechanical problem, and anticipated universal gravitation. In 1684 he devised a practicable system of telegraphy. He invented the spiral spring in watches and the first screw-divided quadrant and constructed the first arithmetical machine and Gregorian telescope. He also stated Hooke's law (see elasticity ), and in his pioneering book Micrographia (1665) he described his microscopic observations of plant tissues and coined the term cell.

Bibliography: See biography by L. Jardine (2004); studies by M. 'Espinasse (1956) and F. F. Centore (1970).

Hooke, Robert (1635–1703). Hooke made the microscope well known as a scientific instrument, publishing his Micrographia in 1665. Its splendid engraving of the fleamade a tremendous impression. Previously, Hooke had worked with Robert Boyle on the air pump, and in 1662 had been appointed curator to the Royal Society, with the duty of performing experiments at the meetings.