[The cell 100 years ago].

Eduard Strasburgers monograph "On Cell Formation and Cell Division" appeared in Jena in 1875. At that time the existence of the cell nucleus was established, but the scientists were still discussing a possibility of free formation of cells as suggested by Schwann and Schleiden. Nuclear structure and the processes of mitosis were still uninvestigated. The original observations which are reproduced show the first tentative efforts at a generalised description. Comparison with the opinions of Haeckel and Flemming show the uncertainty of cytology in that early phase, because the lack of microscopic technique did not yet permit of any detailed evidence.