Pier Antonio Micheli
1679-1737

Micheli was a pioneer in the study of fungi. One of the popular theories of his time was spontaneous regeneration-the appearance of life from non-living, usually rotten, matter. Micheli showed directly that fungi grow from the spores of the same type of fungus. Another Portico resident, Francesco Redi, also worked at disproving this theory for fly larvae. Both scientists were experimenters, relying on observation to establish truth.

Related Websites

Illinois Mycological Association:
Pier Antonio Micheli

Aboca Museum: Bibliotheca Antiqua (English translation available)