Martinus Beijerinck, a Dutch biologist, was the first to use the term "virus" to describe a new type of infectious agent.
Beijerinck's Discovery
In 1898, Beijerinck conducted experiments similar to those done six years prior, concluding he had discovered a novel infectious organism. He called this organism a "virus". His research focused on the tobacco mosaic virus, demonstrating its ability to pass through filters that trapped bacteria, and its ability to migrate in agar gel. This discovery is widely considered the birth of virology. [Source: Pubmed, Wikipedia]
Key Points:
- Year: 1898
- Scientist: Martinus Beijerinck
- Organism: Tobacco mosaic virus
- Significance: Marked the beginning of virology as a field of study.
It is important to note that while Beijerinck coined the term "virus" in its current scientific context, the word itself had previously been used to describe various poisonous or infectious agents.
