Harvey discovers the circulation of the blood; publishes De motu cordis in 1628.

Hooke publishes further details on the circulation in Micrographia in 1665.

van Leeuwenhoek describes bacteria and blood cells for the first time.

Kircher suggests ‘microorganisms’ as cause of infectious disease.

Sanctorius invents the clinical thermometer.

Quinine from South America used to treat malaria in Europe.