1632 – ✝ 1723
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is best known as the man who improved the microscope. However, he also made several progressive scientific discoveries. Still today, this pioneer is respected for his extraordinary achievements as an inventor and researcher.
Microscope
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was born into an average family. They lived on the corner next to the Leeuwenpoort in Delft - hence his surname. From an early age, van Leeuwenhoek was fascinated by the 'unsearchable created truths'. To investigate them, he made a microscope that could magnify much more strongly than others of his time.
Sperm cells
Van Leeuwenhoek received no scientific training. He only wanted to uncover the truth, which he said was instilled in creation by the Creator. For instance, he discovered red blood cells, sperm cells and the stripe pattern on muscle fibres. He was also probably the first to observe bacteria.
Respect
Van Leeuwenhoek sent his findings to the Royal Society in London, a society of leading scientists. This is how he became more widely known. He died at the age of 91 - exceptionally old for the time. 'Here lies the grey science buried in Leeuwenhoek,' reads the last sentence of poet Huibert Poot's epitaph. A clear sign of the respect people had for him even then.
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Maarten Tromp
Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp is perhaps the most notable naval hero in Dutch history. At a time of international tension and increasing world trade, he served alternately in merchant shipping and the navy. From there, he worked his way up from ship's boy to commander-in-chief.
Piet Hein
'Piet Hein, his name is small, his deeds are great, his deeds are great, he has won the Silver Fleet ...' The triumphant lyrics of the famous song about Piet Hein. In 1628, he hijacked a very valuable sea transport from the Spanish ruler, making him one of Holland's most famous naval heroes.
Clara van Spaerwoude
Clara van Spaerwoude is inextricably linked to Delft history. There is even a Delft street named after her. Van Spaerwoude became best known for her enormous inheritance, which she distributed in the form of wedding gifts. Until over three hundred years after her death, she used them to make many couples happy.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is best known as the man who improved the microscope. However, he also made several progressive scientific discoveries. Still today, this pioneer is respected for his extraordinary achievements as an inventor and researcher.
Johannes Vermeer
The 'Master of Light', 'Sphinx of Delft', or Johannes Vermeer, is perhaps the most famous painter in Dutch history. With his unique works, in which the stunning rendering of sunlight is particularly striking, this Delft native achieved international fame. However, Vermeer died as a pauper ...
Huibert Poot
'How satisfyingly rolls the life, of the rested lanterman, who would give zyn blissful fate, however small, for no king's crown!' So reads the beginning of 'Akkerleven', by poet Hubert Korneliszoon (Huibert) Poot. Thanks in part to this poem, Poot acquired an indelible place in Dutch history.
Anthonie Heinsius
Anthonie Heinsius was een uit Delft afkomstig staatsman in de tijd van stadhouder Willem III van Oranje. Begonnen als advocaat, werkte hij zich uiteindelijk op tot raadspensionaris van het gewest Holland – zij het niet helemaal vrijwillig …
Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele
After the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), Protestantism became the dominant religion in the Netherlands. The Iconoclasts had violently stripped all churches of images of saints. Catholics were forced to meet in hideaway churches. Poet, lawyer and priest Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele stood up for them.